When the Green Bay Packers suit up for their week five game against the New York Giants on Sunday night, they will be missing a player who was expected to be a key offensive weapon for them this season. Tight end Jared Cook has not made a huge impact on the offense like some of us had hoped, recording just six catches for 53 yards, but he was still used to create mismatches across the offense even when he is not an intended target.
This week, that responsibility will fall to the Packers' other two tight ends, as the team has stayed steadfast and chosen not to add another player at the position. That means that we should see a heavy dose of Richard Rodgers and Justin Perillo on Sunday night, and it could also mean more snaps for fullback Aaron Ripkowski when the team is not in hurry-up mode on offense.
Meanwhile, the Packers' backup running back is going through a tough start to his seventh NFL season, averaging less than one yard per carry. Why has James Starks struggled so much? He discussed that and his attitude towards his role in an interview this week.
Check out that and much more in today's curds below as we continue to look forward to week five.
Starks stays steady despite reduced role | Packersnews.com
That role has been reduced in part because four of Starks' 12 carries have gone for negative yardage. However, he looks at the film and sees stacked boxes against him and is refusing to get discouraged.
Ranking all 32 NFL offensive lines | Week 5 | PFF
The Packers' line ranks second across the NFL at this point, and they have the second-best pass blocking efficiency of any unit in the league.
Aaron Rodgers reminisces about his favorite moments with Ben McAdoo - ESPN
Rodgers' old position coach is now the head man in New York, and the Packers' quarterback talked about his friend's sense of humor and attitude.
Offense turns back to Richard Rodgers at tight end | Packers.com
With Cook out of commission for a while, Rodgers goes back to carrying the load at the position, and Justin Perillo will get more snaps as well. Hopefully Rodgers' lighter frame this season will allow him to be a bit more effective in space and after the catch.
Kellen Winslow Jr. wants to be a Packer | TMZ.com
That's nice - it's probably safe to say that the Packers would have signed him if that interest was mutual, especially with Cook's injury.
Over 400 NFL players have signed up to wear alt-cleats Week 13 - SBNation.com
This is a nice little move that the league is making to cater to players who have charities close to their hearts - players are signing up in advance and the charity has to be approved by the league, but it's still a step in the right direction.