The Green Bay Packers lost one of their best options in the running game after running back Cedric Benson injured his left foot in Sunday's loss to the Indianapolis Colts. The team lost 30-27 after Mason Crosby missed a last-second field goal as time expired.
Benson sprained his left foot and was put on injured reserve on Wednesday. Fortunately for Benson he will have the chance to come back in eight weeks and will be able to practice in six weeks if he's healthy.
"We feel that he can come back," coach Mike McCarthy said to the Associated Press. "A foot sprain is definitely a tough injury to come back from, but within that time frame we feel that he definitely has a chance. ... He's a true pro. He's been excellent. He spends a lot of time in the weight room. I could see him being one of those guys that comes back and plays the last four weeks of the season."
Benson joined the team in training camp and has 71 carries on the year with 248 yards rushing. He has scored one touchdown and has also added 14 receptions for 97 yards.
The Packers have struggled running the ball and the loss of Benson will only add to the pressure. The team is 2-3 and sits behind the Chicago Bears and Minnesota Vikings in the NFC Central. The Packers are ranked just 20th in the league in rushing, gaining only 97.2 yards per game on the ground.
"Ced's been great for us," quarterback Aaron Rodgers said. "He's been a leader. He's had a great attitude. He's been a great example for those young guys about what a professional looks like."
Alex Green stepped into the starting role after Benson went down, gaining 57 yards on 9 carries.
"I feel good, I feel confident," said Green, who missed the last nine weeks of last season with a knee injury. "The opportunity has presented itself. I have to do my job as a teammate and step up to the plate and help my team win."
Behind Green is running back James Starks, who led the team in rushing last year.
"We've all got to pick each other up," receiver James Jones said. "There's no magic to it, we've just got to go out there and be the Green Bay Packers."
Rodgers has struggled this season, throwing four interceptions already after having just six all of last season. The Packers have had a hard time protecting Rodgers, although he has been able to complete 68 percent of his passes through five games.
Green Bay has alternated wins and losses this season and already has matched their total from late year in which they went 15-1. The team has yet to show the dominance they had last year and face a tough uphill climb in their division.
After opening the season with a loss at home against the 49ers, the Packers easily beat the Chicago Bears on Thursday night football. But the following week on Monday night against the Seattle Seahawks, the Packers had a win stolen away from them by the replacement officials after a blown touchdown call in the end zone.
The team intercepted the ball to clinch the end of the game, but the play was called a simultaneous catch and Seahawks wide receiver Golden Tate was credited with the touchdown. Seattle prevailed 14-12.
The Packers gutted out a close win 28-27 against the Saints in Week 4, but lost in dramatic fashion to Andrew Luck and the Colts this past Sunday.
Green Bay has another tough game this weekend, playing against the 5-0 Houston Texans on the road on Sunday night football.
