Despite all of his weight issues the past couple years, Eddie Lacy has missed just two games since entering the league as a 2013 second-rounder. That’s about to change. Lacy played through a bum ankle Week 6 against the Cowboys, rushing for 65 yards on 17 carries at far less than 100 percent. But it sounds like playing on the ankle did more harm than good.
Lacy didn’t practice Monday or Tuesday and news leaked out Tuesday evening that Lacy is expected to miss “several” weeks and is planning a visit to renowned foot and ankle specialist, Dr. Robert Anderson in North Carolina. Anderson is to feet and ankles as Dr. James Andrews is to knees. Whatever Lacy’s specific injury is, it doesn’t sound good. And there are whispers he could be placed on injured reserve. With James Starks (knee) already out for 3-4 more weeks, the Packers’ backfield is in shambles. As of writing this, Knile Davis is the only healthy running back on Green Bay’s 53-man roster. He was just acquired from the Chiefs for a conditional seventh-rounder on Tuesday.
So, what is the Packers’ plan for Thursday night against the Bears? It’s hard to imagine Davis knowing enough of the playbook or blocking schemes after getting in just one practice with the team by the time Thursday night rolls around. Randall Cobb and Ty Montgomery both played some running back in college. Cobb has been dabbling in the backfield in recent weeks, and Montgomery saw an extended look back there last Sunday, drawing three carries and eight targets out of the backfield. Look for some form of committee, but fantasy owners need to be picking up Montgomery wherever he’s available. He saw 12 targets total last week and 13 touches. He’s an immediate WR3.
In other news involving an injured starting running back, Carlos Hyde was seen wearing a sling on his right arm Tuesday. He suffered a shoulder injury Week 6 against the Bills but played through it. Players have been spotted in slings early in the week before, so we’re not going to get too worried yet, though it’s obviously something to monitor. If Hyde were to sit, Mike Davis would be next man up after he recently leapfrogged Shaun Draughn for No. 2 duties. We’ll know more Wednesday.
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In Other News…
After being placed on I.R. last week with a torn rotator cuff in his shoulder, Eric Decker’s medical exam revealed he also needs hip surgery. He’ll undergo hip surgery first and then will later have shoulder surgery once he’s off crutches from the hip operation. The hip needs six months to heal and the shoulder needs eight. Obviously they’ll overlap some, but Decker is staring at a lengthy absence. Coach Todd Bowles went as far to suggest Decker may not be ready for Week 1 of next season. Decker turns 30 in March. With two major surgeries on deck, his Dynasty arrow is pointing down.
Vincent Jackson suffered a knee injury in the Week 5 win over the Panthers. It was reported Tuesday that Jackson actually suffered a torn ACL and played through it. He was placed on I.R. There’s said to be an outside shot that Jackson avoided a full tear and could play again this season, but we’re not going to hold our breath. With Jackson out, Adam Humphries becomes the default No. 2 receiver, though Louis Murphy (knee, PUP) started practicing Monday and could be back soon. Humphries has some PPR appeal, but all this likely means is Mike Evans will continue to dominate targets. He already sees a league-high 12 targets per game. Evans could push for 14-15 going forward.
Coach Gary Kubiak said he wants to get rookie Devontae Booker more involved on offense. “I think he deserves some more opportunities to touch the football,” Kubiak said. “And when he’s had the opportunity, he’s done some good stuff.” Booker again out-produced C.J. Anderson on half the work last week against the Chargers, as Anderson has been stuck in a rut since the first two weeks of the season. Booker needs to be added in all formats as a stash with upside.
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Quarterback & Running Back Slants
Carson Palmer said he didn’t suffer a hamstring strain Monday night against the Jets. It was simply a cramp, and he’ll be fine for Week 7 against the Seahawks. … Jordan Howard played just 68.75 percent of the snaps in Week 6 after playing 93.3 percent of the plays Weeks 4 and 5. Ka’Deem Carey may be eating into Howard’s workload in a potential hot-hand committee. … Coach Todd Bowles left the door open for Ryan Fitzpatrick to be benched Week 7 against the Ravens, though Bowles sounded legitimately mad about Geno Smith expressing frustration through the media before Monday night’s loss to the Cardinals. … Aaron Rodgers admits he’s “a little bit off” right now, but is confident he’ll pick up his play. … Robert Griffin III (shoulder, I.R.) is expected to avoid surgery. … Ben Roethlisberger (knee) has been confirmed out for Week 7 against the Patriots. Landry Jones will start. … Dion Lewis (knee, PUP) “probably” won’t practice this week. His return date remains clear as mud. … Matt Forte was out-snapped and out-targeted by Bilal Powell in Week 6.
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Wide Receiver & Tight End Slants
Alshon Jeffery isn’t on the Week 7 injury report, suggesting he’s finally 100 percent healthy. Eddie Royal (toe) missed practice again Tuesday, while Zach Miller (ribs) remained limited. … Free agent Aaron Dobson visited the Colts. … Jared Cook (ankle) has shed his walking boot. … Randall Cobb (back) returned to practice Tuesday. … Colts promoted WR Tevaun Smith from the practice squad and signed TE Chase Coffman. … Jaron Brown (knee) is day to day and expects to play Week 7 against Seattle. … Will Fuller (hamstring) expects to play Monday night against the Broncos after sitting Week 6. … Emmanuel Sanders (hip) was practicing on Tuesday. … Coach Mike Tomlin was noncommittal on if Ladarius Green (ankle, PUP) will practice this week. … Markus Wheaton (shoulder) is considered iffy for Week 7. … Bears GM Ryan Pace said he’s “eyeballing” a Week 13 return for Kevin White (ankle, I.R.).
