Starks Injury Forces Packers to Turn to Ryan Grant
Grant returns to the Packers to back-up Alex Green.
James Starks finally seemed to start to gain some stream in week 13. It only makes sense that he’s now potentially headed for injured reserve with a knee injury. That once again leaves Alex Green as the top back for the Green Bay Packers – especially with Cedric Benson already on injured reserve and highly unlikely to return.
Due to the lack of depth at running back in Green Bay, the Packers are turning to a familiar face, as they’ve reportedly re-signed former Packers running back Ryan Grant. Grant spent some time with the Washington Redskins earlier in the year, but otherwise spent the majority of 2012 in free agency.
Grant is not initially expected to compete for a large role in the rushing attack, but due to his experience with the offense and Green’s frequent ineffectiveness, it’s not crazy to think Grant could eventually emerge in his old role as Green Bay’s top back.
Regardless of who the starting running back is, it’s clear that the Packers haven’t been lucky at the position this year and won’t be fielding a formidable group of backs should they make the playoffs.
Fantasy Analysis
Grant knows the system and isn’t going to be too far away from a solid role, but he’s 30 and has lost a step or three. Still, it’s not crazy to think he’d be more effective than Green. Don’t be shocked to see Grant emerge down the stretch. He’s not an immediate waiver wire grab (Green is), but he should be watched in deep leagues and could be worth a stash.
