ST. LOUIS — As has been the case too often in his career, a major accomplishment by running back Steven Jackson was merely a footnote in a loss.

Jackson reached 10,000 rushing yards for his career with a 9-yard run late in the third quarter of the Rams' 36-22 loss to the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday.

"It means that I've been blessed to be consistent and durable in this league and to go out there and be effective when I have a chance," Jackson said of the milestone.

Jackson said having strong family support has helped him cope with being a part of so many losses.

"I never forget it regardless if the praise comes, I have had some success," Jackson said. "I've been blessed. I have an amazing support group in mom and dad. I never forget that I was a young guy just dreaming to be in the NFL.

"When you hope and wish, you never know if it's going to come true."

Jackson received a loud ovation when the fans at the Edward Jones Dome were informed of his accomplishment, but play wasn't stopped as the Rams were middle of an offensive drive.

When play was stopped at the end of the third quarter, Vikings players came over and shook Jackson's hand in a show of respect.

"I have played against these guys before, and a number of these guys I know through the NFL," Jackson said. "To have those guys acknowledge my accomplishment means a lot."

The home game could have been Jackson's last for the Rams. He'll be a free agent after the season.

"I have two games for sure, and I have a decision to make in the offseason," Jackson said, "but I will seek the counsel of some people that I have great respect for. I still have two games to do my job, and to do it at the way I play, I need to be completely focused on that."

Jackson had 146 total yards from scrimmage in the game. He rushed for 73 yards on 13 carries and he caught eight passes for 73 yards.

After catching a 5-yard pass on the first play of the fourth quarter, Jackson never touched the ball again as rookie Darryl Richardson saw most of the action at running back for the remainder of the game.

"He's featured in our hurry-up and two-minute package," Rams coach Jeff Fisher said of Richardson. "We didn't expect to spend a whole quarter in it."

Jackson hinted that he might not be completely healthy.

"No, I was not surprised," Jackson said of his lack of touches in the fourth quarter. "I don't talk about injuries, but Darryl did a good job. How about that?"

A large group of fans stuck around after the game to cheer Jackson as he went into the tunnel for possibly the last time in a Rams uniform at the Edward Jones Dome.

"It means a lot," Jackson said. "We've come full circle in this walk of my professional career so far. I have a great respect for the fans, I have a great understanding of how things work in this town and I think they've come to understand and know how I tick and what motivates me.

"It was mutual respect, and it meant a lot."

Injury report

Fisher said right guard Harvey Dahl has been lost for the remainder of the season.

"We suspect it's a torn bicep, and it'll probably require surgery," Fisher said.

Dahl, who has started all 14 games at right guard this season, left the game in the fourth quarter. His replacement, Shelley Smith, was called for a false start on the Rams' final offensive drive.

Quick hits

There was a moment of silence before the game in memory of the 26 people killed Friday during a series of shootings at an elementary school in Newtown, Conn.

Fisher and Minnesota coach Leslie Frazier stood at midfield with Richardson and Vikings cornerback Antoine Winfield, who both wear No. 26, surrounded by a ring of players and kids during the moment of silence.

* Wide receiver Danny Amendola had six catches for 58 yards and one touchdown in his first game back after a two-game absence because of a foot injury.

Amendola also caught a two-point conversion pass.

"I got warmed up early and it felt pretty good," Amendola said of his foot.

* The Rams' inactives were: tight end Mike McNeil (thigh), running back Terrance Ganaway, wide receiver Steve Smith, guard-tackle Chris Williams, tackle Joe Barksdale, defensive tackle Matt Conrath and quarterback Austin Davis.

* Vikings rookie kicker Blair Walsh has tied an NFL record with eight field goals of 50 or more yards in a season. He's 8-for-8 from 50 yards or longer this season, while Rams rookie kicker Greg Zuerlein is 7-for-12 from 50 yards or longer.

* According to the press box statistics, rookie cornerback Janoris Jenkins led the team in tackles with eight.

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