T-Jack ready to start

Quarterback Tarvaris Jackson took all the early work with the first team during practice and said he's good to go for Sunday's game at Chicago after missing the previous two games because of a strained groin muscle.

"I feel a lot better than I've been feeling," Jackson said. "I'm feeling great."

Coach Brad Childress stopped just short of naming Jackson the starter, saying, "I'm listing him as probable. How's that? He practiced better today out there."

Jackson, who split practice time with Kelly Holcomb on Wednesday and Thursday, said the groin didn't cause him any problems.

"It was a solid week of practice," he said. "I'm just trying to get back into it. I hadn't been out there in three weeks so it felt good just to be out there practicing again."

In addition to Jackson, safety Dwight Smith (hamstring) is probable.

Linebacker Ben Leber (ribs) and defensive end Erasmus James (shoulder) are questionable.