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Welcome to 'The Lull'. This is the second post in our position-by-position projection of the 53-man roster. Earlier Kevin looked at the QB position. We stay in the offensive backfield for our next spot.
Halfback may be the thinnest position on the team. Despite this, it's not hard to see what TT & co. are planning to do at the position this year. Currently the Packers have James Starks, Alex Green, Brandon Saine, Marc Tyler, and Du'ane Bennett. Last year the Packers kept three running back on the 53 and one on PS for development and there is no reason to expect the Packers to deviate from this same formula in 2012.
Starter: James Starks - This is by default more than it is a ringing endorsement. While Starks has shown some flash and ability he's not exactly reliable either.
Job Security: Moderate - He's got to stay healthy first. He hasn't played a full set of games in the past three years (and that includes his last year of college ball). Not a good track record for a position that is the NFL's version of a meat grinder.
Backup: Brandon Saine and Alex Green - Unlike QB, we all know that a platoon approach tends to dominate offensive skill positions. It's all about creating the mismatches and keeping guys fresh. Look for Green to take the third down back responsibilities when he is healthy and Saine to take most of the tradition backup and spelling reps.
Job Security: Strong - Green has high expectations but injury concerns. If he can recover for the beginning of the season and stay healthy then he may even be able to push Starks for carries. Saine was solid last year and should be a good rotational guy to help keep Starks and Green fresh.
Practice squad or PUP: Marc Tyler - Keep a close eye on Tyler. Even though I don't think he'll make the team he is going to be very important going forward. After all, Starks has never really stayed healthy for a long period of time in his career so far and Green is coming off a nasty injury that may linger most of the year. If anything happens to these two, or Saine just doesn't take a step forward, then Tyler may get his chance to shine.
Roster spots remaining: 48