Ryan Grant Could Be Big Part of Packers Offense By Playoffs

There’s been some questions about what Ryan Grant‘s role would be after the Green Bay Packers signed him earlier this week.

Does anyone expect Grant to come in and get 20 carries a game? No. At least, not for the time being.

If James Starks‘ knee injury doesn’t heal quickly, which looks probable, there’s word Grant could be splitting carries with Alex Green by playoff time.

Pro Football Weekly has word that the Packers will increase Grant’s load as the season goes on.

… we hear Grant will not be expected to come anywhere close to taking over the featured-back role he previously filled so ably. However, while Grant is likely expected to play second fiddle to second-year pro Alex Green more often than not, word is the team is planning on steadily increasing his usage as the season wears on.

… it would not be a shock if Grant is sharing close to an equal load come playoff time with Green, whose contrasting style could create an effective time-share situation.

It makes sense to start Grant off slowly since he’s spent only one month on an active roster this season (with Washington) and received only one carry during that time.

However, if Grant can get his legs back and show he has something left in the tank, there’s no reason he shouldn’t be getting carries. Does he have something left in the tank?

Our guess is he does. Grant will be 30 on Sunday, but he has considerably fewer carries than most guys his age. He’s only had more than 300 carries in a season once (312 in 2008) and only came close one other time (282 in 2009).

So Grant hasn’t taken the pounding of, say, a Cedric Benson. You also know he’s motivated after no one, including the Packers, wanted him in free agency this past offseason.

Are we going to see the Ryan Grant of 2009 again? Highly unlikely.

The Packers would be really happy with the 4.3 yards per carry guy Grant has been over the course of his career though.