ddie Lacy has not been playing well. The running back's production issues have been well documented as he simply cannot seem to overcome injury issues and make the impact he has had in his first two seasons in the league. As the Packers aim to bounce back after a loss, Lacy is no longer viewed as the starting running back at the moment. Instead, James Starks will carry the load.
According to head coach Mike McCarthy via ESPN.com, Starks has overtaken Lacy as the lead running back for the time being. The head coach stated that Lacy will still have a role in the offense when the Packers take on the Detroit Lions, but they are going to give Starks much more responsibility.
"He's played very well; he's earned that opportunity," McCarthy said. "I'm not a big believer in just riding one running back the whole season. We'll stay with the one-two punch."
Both Starks and Lacy downplayed the news when speaking to the media. Starks was very quick to say that it is a tandem between the two backs. McCarthy will try to balance the rotation. Right now, Starks is leading the team with 334 yards in fewer games than Lacy this season. Lacy has been dealing with injuries this season as he has struggled with groin and ankle issues while there have been a lot of comments regarding his weight. Lacy told the media he agrees with the move right now.
"As a team, we're pretty much doing what's needed, going with what's necessary at this time," Lacy said, via ESPN.com. "This season he's definitely been the better player between the both of us. That's just the move."
The Packers need some offensive rhythm. Starks might be the player that can provide it. Injuries at the wide receiver position have certainly not helped. While Davante Adams is back in action, Ty Montgomery remains out with an ankle problem. Randall Cobb has been on and off the field. The Packers have not added anyone to the roster despite players like Hakeem Nicks and Reggie Wayne being available. Instead they are trusting their depth to get by which did not work in Week 9. It is clear the team has not figured out how to replace Jordy Nelson, but adding at least one healthy body to the roster could help.
According to ESPN's Rob Demovsky, the Packers will stick with Tom Clements calling the plays. They plan on tweaking things slightly. Going up against a weaker team in the Detroit Lions could at least help get some momentum moving in the right direction.
"I think the operation has gone well," Clements said, via ESPN.com. "I think I said it last week, too, we haven't played consistently, as consistently as we'd like to. But the operation has been fine."