James Starks

More than six months after tearing his anterior cruciate ligament, Green Bay Packers running back Alex Green is running four days a week. He recently met with the team's physician, Dr. Pat McKenzie, who is hopeful Green will be ready for training camp. Green has stayed ahead of schedule all off-season.

With Ryan Grant’s future still in limbo, that's key. Late July remains Green's target.

“My speed is picking up daily,” Green said Thursday. “Every day, I’m running at a faster pace. It’s going pretty good right now. I’m definitely excited with where I’m at.”

Green was just starting to find his place within the Packers’ offense when he tore the ACL in his left knee Oct. 23 at Minnesota while blocking on a kick return. Two weeks prior, he caught a third-down pass at Atlanta. And, most importantly, his comfort level in the scheme was high. Coaches like his vision and ability to maneuver in space.

The Packers haven't shown much interest in signing a veteran RB to join James Starks, Green, Brandon Saine and John Kuhn in the backfield, so they must feel pretty good about Green's prospects for 2012. If the team doesn't sign another RB, Starks would project to be the starter, but his upside is limited due to the pass-heavy nature of the offense and Kuhn's presence as the team's goal line back. Aaron Rodgers is also a threat to steal a few TD runs.