James Starks

Packers beat writer Rob Reischel on the team's running backs and potential cuts: This positional group has been hammered by injuries throughout camp and is somewhat of a mystery. Cedric Benson signed Aug. 12 and began practicing Sunday. Benson has had three consecutive 1,000-yard seasons, and unless he falls on his face, the Packers seem ready to make him their lead back. Alex Green is just beginning to regain his explosiveness after suffering an ACL tear last October. Coach Mike McCarthy loves Brandon Saine's versatility, smarts and steadiness. He's been fighting a hamstring injury but should survive. The surprise here would be the Packers giving up on James Starks, their No. 1 back early in camp. But injuries have limited Starks to just 16 games his first two years, and he's out again with a turf toe. Dating back to his days at Buffalo, Starks has missed time five straight years. At some point, his inability to stay on the field will cost him. The guess is it's now. Marc Tyler seems a good bet for the practice squad.

It would be surprising for the Packers to cut Starks especially since the position is still pretty thin. Reportedly, Cedric Benson has been very motivated and if Starks is out of the picture, he could have an RB2-type year. The main issue with Benson is that he hasn't brought much in the passing game, though his YPC and Catch % have been respectable over last couple of years. It's possible that Benson would do better with more opportunity.