ST. LOUIS — Though he didn't practice for the second straight day because of a groin injury, there is still time for St. Louis Rams running back Steven Jackson to get healthy enough to play Sunday against the Chicago Bears.

"I'm not 100 percent, but it's day-to-day," Jackson said. "The injury is not as significant as we once thought it was. I still have another three days before the game. Each and every day buys me time."

There was a conspiracy theory that Jackson had been benched by Rams coach Jeff Fisher after sitting out the final 2 1/2 quarters of the Rams' 31-28 win over the Washington Redskins on Sunday.

Jackson left the game after receiving a 15-yard unsportsmanlike conduct penalty for spiking the ball.

The officials ruled that Jackson was stopped at the Washington 1 on the play, and he later said that he spiked the ball because he thought he'd scored a touchdown.

"I'm aware of it now, almost a week ago of what was said and what happened," Jackson said of the conspiracy theory. "Not a concern of mine. Me and Coach Fisher's relationship has not changed."

Jackson, who has a history of groin and quadriceps injuries, appeared to pull up a little lame at the end of a 20-yard run earlier during the offensive series that ended with his penalty.

"It happened on that particular run right there," Jackson said. "Just another freak deal. We've been in this situation before. Groins, quads are a thing that tend to bother me from time to time. I'm not depressed by it. I'm looking forward to seeing how I feel on Sunday. Coach Fisher has given me a chance to still be able to play."

Fisher said Jackson, a nine-year NFL veteran, could play this Sunday even if he doesn't practice all week.

"I don't have a policy where you have to practice to play," Fisher said. "Be realistic. Steven has been in the league how many years? He knows his body and he knows this offense. I am not concerned about that. It would be different if you had a rookie who didn't practice all week and then you asked him to go in and play."

If Jackson can't play, the Rams will go with rookies Daryl Richardson, Isaiah Pead and Terrance Ganaway at running back.

"I think both of them (Richardson and Pead) can step in and make plays for us," Fisher said. "We even like Terrance. He has some runs skills. If Jack can't go, we'll get the game done with the three of them."

Richardson, who had 15 carries for 83 carries, including a 53-yard run, against the Redskins, would like get the start.

"He has an amazing burst that we all see," Jackson said of Richardson. "Not only does he have burst, but has the capability of being a dual threat. He can catch the ball out of the backfield and make things happen. Any time you get him a crease like that, it's a potential for a home run."

Offensive tackle Wayne Hunter (ankle) returned to practice on a limited basis for the Rams on Thursday. Fullback Brit Miller (thigh), left tackle Rodger Saffold (knee), defensive tackles Michael Brockers (ankle) and Matt Conrath (knee) and safety Matt Daniels (hamstring) did not practice.

Contact reporter Steve Korte at skorte@bnd.com or 239-2522.