Alex

Green

Starks’ preseason struggles and a turf toe injury left him inactive for the first five games of the year. But now that Cedric Benson (foot) is out at least eight weeks, he’ll be back in the mix. Last year, Starks averaged 4.34 yards per carry and scored one touchdown while operating in a strict timeshare with Ryan Grant. Expect a similar committee approach now involving Starks and second-year man Alex Green. Brandon Saine has been a mere special teamer so far this season.

“Alex is an explosive, quick-footed played,” Fontenot said. “He’s got great vision in space and he plays fast. That’s the best thing I can say about him.” The coaching staff is once again high on Grant, so Green is unlikely to earn a significant role even with an impressive performance.

Already running four days a week, Green has graduated to “a little bit” of cutting. He’s stayed ahead of schedule in his rehab all offseason. “My speed is picking up daily,” Green said. “I’m definitely excited with where I’m at.”

“Alex looks really good,” McCarthy said this week. “Just seeing him in the weight room every day, he looks like he’s really progressing.” Five months removed from his injury, Green could be ready for training camp if he’s able to avoid setbacks. With little depth behind James Starks and Green, there’s a good chance the Pack will use one of their 12 draft picks on a running back.

Green is now roughly six months removed from his injury. He expects to be cleared for cutting shortly and then fully participate in training camp. The 2011 third-round pick would be competing for reps behind starter James Starks.

Green is still just over four months removed from surgery, so he’s not going to participate in OTAs. The 2011 third-rounder should be rounding into form just as training camp opens.

The Packers still haven’t disclosed the exact nature of Green’s injury, but he’s expected to undergo surgery. The third-round pick finishes his rookie year with just four touches from scrimmage, appearing mostly on special teams in his three games. If healthy, Green could emerge as James Starks’ backup next season. Ryan Grant is headed for free agency.

Green will undergo surgery on November 16, 2011. The injury could throw a wrench into the Packers’ 2012 backfield plans, as Green was expected to take on a more significant role with Ryan Grant entering free agency. This would seem to increase James Starks’ chances of emerging as a clear-cut feature back next season, though a tailback addition can’t be ruled out.

The Packers seemed willing to let Grant walk early in the season, but rookie Alex Green’s torn ACL and James Starks’ inability to stay healthy as the lead back may have the organization leaning toward bringing the 29-year-old back on a short-term contract. Brandon Saine, the only alternative on the roster, isn’t trusted in a major role.

“I’m not sure,” he said. “That’s something we’ll determine as we get closer to the regular season.” We linked to a story suggesting Green could have a “sizable” 2012 role, but he missed all OTAs and may not even be healthy for camp. He’s also added ten pounds since the end of last season and is up to 228.