The Green Bay Packers are still trying to figure out their run game. DuJuan Harris was expected to play the largest part in the overall offensive plan. That plan fell through when Harris re-injured his knee in the preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks. This placed the Packers at a big loss, resulting in the team looking towards free agency for help.
Running back Joe McKnight tweeted that he will be working out for the Packers after just being released by the New York Jets. The running back had spent three years with the Jets after being drafted in the fourth round. McKnight racked up 502 yards and zero touchdowns in those years while fighting reports of poor conditioning and a bad attitude. McKnight was released after failing his conditioning test and fighting concussion systems.
A change in scenery could be exactly what McKnight needs to get on track. The running back could be in a great opportunity to see a lot of playing time in Green Bay. At this point, the Packers have four running backs on the roster, Eddie Lacy, Alex Green James Starks and Johnathan Franklin. The team has yet to make any cuts yet and will likely enter the season with three backs on the roster.
Eddie Lacy was the presumed starter with Harris' injury. It is still likely the rookie will be the premier running back after a strong preseason. The coaching staff has noted that Lacy is every bit the running back that the team was hoping to be drafted. If McKnight signs, there will be a lot of uncertainty regarding the remaining players.
ProFootballZone has already brought up the idea that Starks risked release or trade at some point before the season started. The veteran was the hero of Green Bay's Super Bowl win, but has not done too much else since then. Starks' career has been inconsistent, rushing for 578 yards in 2011, but only 255 yards last season while battling injuries. His fall from grace has been steep this season, sitting at the bottom of the depth chart.
Alex Green could also see his future cut short. Green was relatively productive last year, putting up 464 yards and averaging 3.4 yards per carry. Franklin has zero trade value so unless the team plans on releasing the rookie they just drafted, it is Green or Starks that might be the odd men out. McKnight is still a long shot to make the team.