Head Coach Mike McCarthy declared James Starks is the Packers’ No. 1 running back heading into this Sunday’s game vs. the Lions. “But I’m not a big believer in just riding one running back the whole season, so we’ll stay with the one-two punch”.
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Before leaving in their game against Carolina, the 25-year-old had five carries for 10 yards, which is another subpar performance for someone who is known as an explosive offensive player and was the Associated Press (AP) NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2013.
Starks has played every season in Green Bay since being drafted in 2010, and understands McCarthy’s system inside and out.
Lacy, meanwhile, has struggled for the most part.
Lacy’s productivity has likely been hindered by a lingering ankle injury suffered in Week 2, but he has remained the starter much of the season.
McCarthy said he expected Lacy to be a full participant in practice this week, indicating the change is not injury related. However, for a player that becomes eligible for a contract extension following the season, losing the starting job midway through the year represents a huge setback.
This news comes with somewhat significant fantasy football implications since it firmly cements the hierarchy in Green Bay’s running game. As a result, Starks can be considered an RB2 until Lacy shows his fantasy owners that he has something to offer the Packers’ offense.
Starks, on the other hand, should be considered a flex at the very least and possibly an RB2.
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McCarthy says the team will continue to use both backs.
