DuJuan

Harris

An undrafted rookie from Troy, Harris is a pint-sized (5'7/197) back without much long-range potential. He’ll slot in behind Maurice Drew and Deji Karim.

Harris is already playing ahead of Deji Karim as Maurice Jones-Drew’s rare change-of-pace. The Florida Times-Union suggested Monday that Harris, a pint-sized scat back out of Troy, could soon “be pushing Karim out of a job.”

A smallish scat back out of Troy, Harris spent the majority of last season on Jacksonville’s practice squad before a late-season promotion. He’s unlikely to make the Steelers’ final roster with Chris Rainey and Baron Batch filling the same role.

Harris spent much of the preseason with the Jaguars before being claimed off waivers by the Steelers in late August. He’s a smaller back with some speed. Ross was signed as an undrafted free agent out of California by the Patriots in 2011. Both players will be special teams contributors if active on game days.

Starks is a candidate to join Cedric Benson on injured reserve, leaving Green, 2011 Bills fifth-round pick Johnny White, and practice squad call-up DuJuan Harris at tailback along with fullback John Kuhn. Coach Mike McCarthy thought Green “ran well” last week, though he’s averaged a paltry 3.3 yards on 109 carries this season. Green should be added in 12-team leagues with the potential for a heavy workload, but he’s more likely to be a flex option than a reliable RB2 going forward.

Players go through physicals before minicamps for reasons like this. Coach Mike McCarthy is hopeful Harris will be available for the start of training camp. When he returns to action, the 24-year-old Harris will work to secure a role in a backfield with two new prominent members in rookies Eddie Lacy and Johnathan Franklin.

Harris missed minicamp after a cyst was found on his lung during his pre-camp physical. He promised to be “110 percent” soon, and it sounds like he will be. Harris participated fully in the softball game, swinging a bat and playing in the field. He’s a candidate for change-of-pace carries behind Eddie Lacy.

Green (concussion) is practicing in full this week. “We’ll use the hot player, not playing favorites,” McCarthy said. "(We’ll) use hot hand, that’s who will get the football.” The “hot hand” will likely come down to Grant and Green. Grant rushed 20 times for 80 yards in Sunday’s win. Grant might have a slightly better shot than Green at leading the Pack’s committee, but neither will be a recommended fantasy option against the Vikings’ stout run defense.

We wouldn’t bet heavily on it. The Press-Gazette concedes the Packers will have to decide if Harris has the size to be the primary back or if he’s better suited to the change-of-pace role. Although Alex Green is talking as if he will have a major role in 2013, the local papers believe James Starks’ roster spot is far from safe at $1.3 million. The Packers will have to decide whether to take another chance on free agent Cedric Benson or perhaps bring another veteran or draft pick.

“He’s a pretty cool customer,” added McCarthy. “I don’t think a lot gets him excited. He’s a steady personality. He’s getting better.” Harris clearly has the hot hand in the Green Bay backfield, though next week’s matchup is tougher at San Francisco. Against the Vikings, Alex Green didn’t leave the sidelines for a second straight week while Ryan Grant was limited to 14-of-68 snaps.