Packers coach Mike McCarthy considers Ty Montgomery a running back

The Green Bay Packers have looked at multiple ways to address their injury-battered offensive backfield in the past week. However, head coach Mike McCarthy insisted Wednesday that Ty Montgomery could handle the workload.

“I think you have to get past [Montgomery’s uniform] number,” McCarthy said Wednesday during his press availability. “He’s a 225-pound man. He’s physical, strong and worked hard at pass pro techniques.”

Since Eddie Lacy and James Starks succumbed to their respective ankle and knee injuries, the Packers have resorted to using Montgomery, receiver Randall Cobb, fullback Aaron Ripkowski, undrafted rookie Don Jackson, and briefly Knile Davis in a reduced ground game. Montgomery has proven himself the most effective of the group, leading the team’s coaching staff to begin describing him more as a running back and less as a wideout. At least until Starks returns, that does not appear likely to change.

For his part, Montgomery has not made any strong statements for or against the apparent position change. He played out of the backfield during his rookie year as well as during his collegiate career at Stanford.

So far on the season, Montgomery has amassed 119 yards on 21 carries. He has also caught 23 passes for 202 yards.