Packers RB Eddie Lacy is averaging less than four yards per carry this season. Jeff Hanisch USA TODAY Sports
At teams this season, the Green Bay Packers have been unrecognizable on offense. That's partly because running back Eddie Lacy has been more plodding than powerful of late.
Backup running back James Starks has provided some relief. He has taken more handoffs than Lacy in two of the past three games, and he has been slightly more effective. Against the Carolina Panthers in Week 9, Starks ran the ball 10 times for 39 yards (3.9 yards per carry). Lacy, on the other hand, recorded five carries for 10 yards (2.0 yards per carry).
Lacy left late in the Panthers game with a groin injury. He had been dealing with an ankle injury earlier in the year.
On the season, Starks has more yards (334 to 308) than Lacy with fewer carries (78 to 83). He has also been a bigger threat to catch the ball out of the backfield with 19 receptions for 167 yards and two touchdowns. Lacy has 10 catches for 92 yards and no touchdowns.
Green Bay is still averaging over 115 rushing yards per game, thanks in large part to quarterback Aaron Rodgers' ability to escape the pocket (35 rush attempts, 213 yards). The lack of an impact from their starting running back, however, should remain a major concern.
The Packers may continue to go with the hot hand moving forward, since Starks is averaging 4.3 yards per carry to Lacy's 3.7 this season.
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