Injuries: Packers Have Three Running Backs Out

by Brandon on Aug 17, 2010 7:00 AM CDT in Green Bay Packers Training Camp

GREEN BAY WI - AUGUST 14: Quinn Porter #40 of the Green Bay Packers carries the ball during the NFL preseason game against the Cleveland Browns at Lambeau Field August 14 2010 in Green Bay Wisconsin. (Photo by Tom Dahlin/Getty Images)

The biggest story after the Green Bay Packers preseason loss to the Browns is the status of RB Ryan Grant. Mike McCarthy confirmed that Grant suffered a concussion during the game, but he hopes he'll be back at practice on Tuesday. I'm not pretending to be a medical expert, so if Greg Bedard says it's a good sign Grant suffered no memory loss, I'm taking that as a good sign.

Either RB Kregg Lumpkin suffered a hamstring injury late in Saturday's game, or he felt something before the game. The bottom line is that he missed practice on Monday and McCarthy doesn't know when he'll return. Rookie 6th round RB James Starks has yet to practice. The Press-Gazette reports that RB Brandon Jackson is the No. 1 running back, and undrafted rookie RB Quinn Porter is No. 2. The depth chart has become so thin that FB John Kuhn is playing some at running back.

If Grant's concussion continues to cause him problems, McCarthy says that Jackson is "an every-down back." I'm not a believer in Jackson's ability to run the ball, he's never seemed to have a good vision or the ability to find the opening in the line. But I've always liked his potential as a receiver, and he was an excellent pass blocker on 3rd down last season.

The wild card in all this is Porter. If Lumpkin and Starks remain out, and the Packers don't make a roster move, Porter has a clear shot at winning a spot on the 53-man roster. That is something I did not expect a month ago. I'm still not 100% sold on him, and I'd like to see him in another game or two.

Training camp practice is back tomorrow with a morning and an evening session.

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Comments

If we're not allowed to worry about preseason losses

Can I atleast worry about our depth at an already weak to mediocre position for us? I know we already beat the Westbrook drum but he would’ve been cheap insurance if the 49ers hadn’t picked him up already.

by Danwood on Aug 17, 2010 8:05 AM CDT reply actions

Staying Healthy is ALWAYS the concern

So hopefully the team gets healthy soon. Clay will return in a couple weeks, so that’s a good sign. Still waiting on Harris and Bigby, but that could be a while. RB’s, yeah, we need them all to get healthy.

"No player is greater than a team."
-Vince Lombardi

by Jabooty on Aug 17, 2010 12:14 PM CDT up reply actions

Clay is not having a good camp

That’s not my opinion, I read that in Packer Plus. Here’s hoping that he’s as good or better than last year.

by gern blanston on Aug 18, 2010 11:55 AM CDT up reply actions

No Problem

Relax there Brandon, a mild concussion isn’t the end of the world for Grant (nor does it spell impending doom for the Packers running game)…especially since he’s not had any previous issues that way. I consider situations such as these to have silver-linings, and in this one the obvious would be that both Jackson and Porter will now get more reps and that can only help the coaching staff to see where they’re both at with the 1st string offense.

I think that Grant, Jackson and Porter will be on the opening day roster…and that will have to suffice.

by Jwriter on Aug 17, 2010 8:48 AM CDT reply actions

I think he's on to something

Of all the thin positions that we have right now RB might be the most precarious. We all know about the OLB situation. The secondary also has its depth concerns as well. The thing that can really frighten a fan when you look at this team though is the RB situation. The scariest part of the whole deal is that the offense seems so good that it can cover up the problem.

What do we have after Grant? Jackson has been a consistent disappointment. Sure he is turning into a solid 3rd down back, but not much more. Porter may have some spark, but I doubt he’s going to be a guy who can really perform against 1’s and carry the load. The same can be said of Lumpkin, who really is more of a 3rd down back as well. Starks has not even put pads on yet professionally and hasn’t worn pads at all for over a year.

On top of all that there aren’t any guys out there who can pick up the pace. The best we can hope for now is picking over what other teams leave behind. This isn’t too bad of a strategy for RB’s. There isn’t much a RB has to learn (other than blocking schemes). Hell, this strategy even netted us Ryan Grant.

Bottom line though is that Grant’s concussion needs to be a wake up call to do something about this vital position of the offense.

by PackApologist on Aug 17, 2010 9:11 AM CDT up reply actions

Jackson has been a consistent disappointment

is this statement based on fact or opinion? since you seem to hold the opposite feelings of hawk. just wondering.

by hermitcrab on Aug 17, 2010 5:33 PM CDT up reply actions

You missed my point earlier

See I was informing you the difference between opinion and argument. Facts are things used to support arguments.

Here’s an argument as to why Jackson has been a disappointment:

He was a second round draft pick. Typically RB’s drafted that high are expected to be either starters or significant contributors. That year Jackson did start the first two games but did not really add much to the offense. I believe he had a 2.0 average per carry that year. Aside from a game here and there, Jackson has not been an impact on our offense in either running or receiving.

Over the past year he has developed into an acceptable third down back who is able to handle the blitz. It could be argued that this is not an acceptable return on a second round draft pick….which I would tend to agree with.

I’m sorry if my point hurt your feelings earlier, but this is something that needs to be learned throughout our culture. Too often people float out an opinion like it’s something worthwhile…really it’s not. Your opinion a few bucks can get you a cup of coffee at Starbucks. In a conversation like this form an argument where facts, information, and basic rational backs up a conclusion.

by PackApologist on Aug 17, 2010 6:03 PM CDT up reply actions

i'm just pointing

out the vast flaws in your rebuttle. as far as feelings go, you can’t hurt what you don’t have as the blog goes.

by hermitcrab on Aug 17, 2010 6:29 PM CDT up reply actions

Quarterback is thinner

But you are right, we don’t have much legitimate known depth at RB. I agree that Jackson is not a starter.

by ktenreb on Aug 17, 2010 6:29 PM CDT up reply actions

My Dream

would be someone like Jackson to step up and be a Feature Back. I wish we had a Maurice JD, or a Ray Rice or something, perhaps next years draft? Ingram anyone? Jackson might very well become our main return specialist this year (I’m not opposed to that) and is becoming a utility man for 3rd down, not unlike Chestor Taylor. Either wish Grant could block & catch like him or he could find the holes with authority like Grant.

by ericforeman04 on Aug 17, 2010 10:21 AM CDT reply actions

noel devine would be a great fit, wed finally have a playmaker, reggie bush type running back that we havent had for a while. hes just a little short. if grant can rush for 1000 yards this season though ,and play solid, efficient football we should have a good year.

by arodgb on Aug 18, 2010 3:45 PM CDT up reply actions

What about picking up Derrick Ward on the cheap?

apparently he might be the odd man out in Tampa. Shouldn’t be too expensive and would probably like to be back on a good team.
link

I think he would be a good veteran presence and is 2 years removed from a 1000 yd season. Not a home run hitter but seems pretty consistent.

"I agree but dont agree"

by juggernaut400 on Aug 17, 2010 11:27 AM CDT reply actions

Worth Considering

I think he’d fit in alright. We have to know for sure if Lumpkin and Porter are gonna make it though.

"No player is greater than a team."
-Vince Lombardi

by Jabooty on Aug 17, 2010 12:18 PM CDT up reply actions

Tired!!!

I am just tired of us always having one good RB and then a bunch of average RB. It has become the trend of the NFL to have two good if not great RB in tandem that can go the distance. I have been screaming for years that we need to pick up another good RB that will compliment Grant (or whom ever we have). I just wish that we could either draft a good RB or get one off free agency.

DREB

by Packer-fan-atic77 on Aug 17, 2010 1:02 PM CDT reply actions

They did

Draft a RB that could have been the #2 RB to give Grant a breather. He just happens to be injured at the moment. I liked what I saw from Starks alot, too bad he pulled a hammie or he could be the guy to push Grant. Starks is an every down RB who has all the tools if he can get healthy! I don’t consider him injury prone, but he better get out there soon or he is going on IR!

by Strohman on Aug 17, 2010 1:38 PM CDT reply actions

I just read somewhere

that there is a chance Starks could be put on IR…that would be really sad! I really like what he could bring to the team and I want to see him get some experience this year so he can really make an impact next year!

by TrevorR on Aug 17, 2010 4:32 PM CDT reply actions

Time to look to other teams?

If Grant doesn’t improve quickly, wouldn’t you think this would be the kind of year where you HAVE to make a move to bring in someone?

McGahee?
Lynch? (get on the cheap since he’s also dinged up)
Ward from Tampa? (might get cut)
Willie Parker? (might get cut from Redskins)

by TrevorR on Aug 17, 2010 4:34 PM CDT reply actions

I doubt we’d do that, though I think it would be a smart thing to do. Our talent at Rb is really, really lacking.

by packallday555 on Aug 17, 2010 9:19 PM CDT up reply actions

we might not have a choice if Grants concussion becomes a serious issue. Heck Justin Morneau from the MN Twins was thought to be out for a couple games and now a month or two later they are still waiting for his return. If we enter the season without him (and maybe starks too it sounds like) we are in a HEAP of trouble.

by TrevorR on Aug 18, 2010 8:13 AM CDT up reply actions