The Green Bay Packers haven’t done much with [intlink id=”1038″ type=”category”]James Starks[/intlink] this preseason.
Although he’s looked better than [intlink id=”64″ type=”category”]Ryan Grant[/intlink] in training camp, he’s only received three carries during the preseason. Now there’s word the team is looking at Starks as their third-down back.
Starks got a long look in the role during the team’s third preseason game against Indianapolis and caught five balls for 38 yards. The real question is whether he’s a capable blocker, which is something that remains to be seen.
“Obviously the checkdowns are important, timing with the quarterback and all that,” offensive coordinator Joe Philbin said. “But the real proof in the pudding is if you can step up and take on a linebacker. Can you find the blitzing safety regardless of what side he lines up on? That’s to be determined. You orchestrate it the best you can in practice and see if we can put him in as many situations as possible. But you have to get out there and do it.”
We still expect Starks to get some carries on first and second down, but at least for now, it looks like the Packers are content to go with Grant as their starter.
If Starks is the third-down back, that doesn’t leave much action left for rookie [intlink id=”1618″ type=”category”]Alex Green[/intlink], who was expected to compete for the spot.
Neither Starks or Grant is expected to get much action in this week’s final preseason game, but it would probably be wise to hold off on making either player a high draft choice in your fantasy draft.