Eddie Lacy’s absence might not be extended for fantasy owners
Lacy is going through the league’s concussion protocol, and his team hasn’t ruled him out for Sunday. We break down the fantasy implications.
Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports
Green Bay Packers rookie running back Eddie Lacy is making progress in his concussion recovery, ESPN Milwaukee reported. Head coach Mike McCarthy said he wouldn't rule Lacy out for the team's Sunday game at Cincinnati as the running back goes through the league's concussion protocol.
Lacy has 51 yards on 15 rushes plus a touchdown through a game-plus this season, plus one lost fumble. Lacy was concussed in the first quarter of Green Bay's game Sunday against the Washington Redskins, with backup James Starks taking over and rushing for 132 yards and a touchdown on 20 carries.
Fantasy impact: McCarthy was specific not to rule Lacy out for Week 3, but that seems like the most likely outcome - the Packers’ bye week comes next, so keeping Lacy out for a game would give him two more weeks to recover, which seems prudent. The fact that the rookie has progressed as much as he has is a definite good sign, but concussions are unpredictable beasts, so his situation deserves monitoring from fantasy owners regardless of his status for Sunday.
Starks had a huge game Sunday, giving hope that he can be a viable backup/fill-in starter for Lacy. For the time being, Starks is a fine option for owners who lost Lacy or Steven Jackson or Ray Rice, if he's ruled out, or those who are scared of Trent Richardson's first game on a new time, but in the long term, it seems unlikely Starks will be anything more than a Lacy handcuff.
• Week 3 fantasy football rankings: QB | RB | WR | TE | D/ST
