Ryan Grant Fantasy News

Thursday, February 2, 2012, 12:45pm

Packers RB Ryan Grant will test free agency, and he is unlikely to return unless there's little interest on the open market.

Friday, January 20, 2012, 1:16pm

Packers GM Ted Thompson has several tough personnel decisions to make. Veteran LT Chad Clifton and WR Donald Driver both have a year left on their contracts, but capable -- and perhaps more effective -- youngsters are already waiting in the wings. FS Nick Collins suffered an early season neck injury, and his loss was a major blow to the defense. He plans to tell the team prior to the draft if he'll be able to continue his career. TE Jermichael Finley and C Scott Wells can both be free agents and would seem like top priorities for retention, though backup QB Matt Flynn is likely headed for a lucrative career as a starter in another city.

The running game ranked 27th (97.4 ypg) and rarely provided explosive plays. RB Ryan Grant is another of the team's free agents, however Alex Green could get a longer look in 2012 after a torn ACL scuttled his rookie year. The free agent market at the position could be bountiful, but Thompson rarely wades into those waters. Still, the record-setting Saints offense provides a prime example of what a more-balanced approach might do for QB Aaron Rodgers and Co.

James Starks returns to practice
Wednesday, January 11, 2012, 1:14pm

Everyone back, healthy at Packers practice, including RB James Starks.

James Starks practices, status uncertain
Friday, December 16, 2011, 2:03pm

Running back James Starks (ankle) was back at practice Friday. The second-year back participated in some drills but appeared limited. With Brandon Saine (concussion) also still out, there's a good chance the team enters Sunday's game at Kansas City with only two healthy running backs.

After missing the Packers' 46-16 win over Oakland last weekend, Starks has sat out of practice up to this point. His status remains uncertain. Coach Mike McCarthy will address the media shortly. Green Bay finished its game against the Raiders with only Ryan Grant and John Kuhn available in the backfield. The duo combined for 131 yards on 20 carries with two touchdowns.

James Starks still very iffy for Week 15
Thursday, December 15, 2011, 12:45pm

Packers RB James Starks’ recurring ankle injury didn’t respond well to a rigorous workout on Tuesday, so he wasn’t cleared by team doctors to return to practice Wednesday. He will be examined again Friday but looks like a good bet to miss his second straight game.

Friday, December 9, 2011, 12:01pm

Packers OC Joe Philbin said he wouldn't place all the blame on the offensive line for the rushing numbers, but he said in a lot of cases the negative runs come when there is penetration and a running back has to change his course.

Last year, Philbin said, about 13% of the team's runs resulted in zero or fewer yards. He didn't know the exact number this year, but he said it was well above that.

"The other day it was penetration, whether it was the three-technique a couple times, the end a couple times," Philbin said of the Giants game. "It wasn't all the line's fault. But it's the penetration (that causes the problem). That's the culprit we see."

It's unlikely the Packers will get leading rusher James Starks (ankle) back this week after he missed a second straight day of practice. He said his ankle was feeling better, but coach Mike McCarthy said he would not play if he didn't practice Friday.

Monday, December 5, 2011, 8:53am

Running back James Starks doesn't think he'll be out that long, but the Green Bay Packers might have to consider sitting him down for a while after he sprained his ankle in a third straight game.