The Green Bay Packers have been one of those teams searching for a running back for a few seasons now. Ryan Grant has been the guy for awhile, but he's always been just "good enough," which hasn't been a huge issue given the fact that Aaron Rodgers is the quarterback.
Packers RB situation a question mark for fantasy owners until Eddie Lacy, DuJuan Harris return
The Green Bay Packers won’t know what their situation is at running back until Eddie Lacy and DuJuan Harris return to the team. We break down the fantasy implications.
Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports
More: For more on the Packers, go to Acme Packing Company
This year, the Packers are going all-out to try and find a solution, including drafting rookies Eddie Lacy and Johnathan Franklin. Throughout training camp thus far, they've been spreading out the reps in search of someone to step up and grab the starting role.
On Friday, they took on the Arizona Cardinals in preseason action, and unfortunately, there wasn't much to say regarding the running back battle. DuJuan Harris is listed as the starter, but he didn't play as he is on the PUP list. That said, he should be off the list somewhat soon.
Alex Green was next, and he carried the ball seven times for just 16 yards, and seemed to be hampered by injury. Jame Starks played and carried the ball 12 times for 38 yards. Rookie Johnathan Franklin looked good, gaining 14 yards on six carries and 12 yards off of two receptions. Lacy, on the other hand, did not get to play due to injury.
The position should get a little more clarity by the third week of the preseason. Harris is expected to come off the PUP list “soon,” and Lacy was more banged up than seriously injured heading into Week 1. It also should give Green some time to rest and hey, more practice time is always good for Franklin, the rookie.
The Packers hit the road to take on the St. Louis Rams for their second exhibition game on Aug. 17. The Rams are undergoing some pretty extensive changes themselves, especially on the defensive side of the ball, so the Packers running backs should get a solid test at the Edward Jones Dome.
Fantasy Impact: At the end of the day, the Packers will probably have one or even two solid options in fantasy football. It’s anybody’s guess as to who will actually start in Week 1, but when the Packers have their guy and they get him going, he’ll probably be an effective runner and an interesting option for your fantasy team. We just don’t know who that guy is yet.
