If you haven't noticed fullback B.J. Askew's contributions to the running game, you probably haven't been paying close attention.

His formidable blocking has been a big boost for Earnest Graham and a key to his success this season. But Askew has missed the past two games with an ankle injury that was in sore (pun intended) need of rest.

I asked him this week whether he had made enough progress to return for the postseason. Askew said he had no doubt about his ability to return to the lineup for the first-round playoff game against the Giants, which is great news for the running game.

So, look for Askew to sit out this week just to get the ankle in the best possible shape. But expect his bruising blocking come playoff time.