Eddie Lacy has battled through a tough—read: unproductive—season, but the Green Bay Packers aren’t moving away from the running back.
Despite James Starks performing like the better player right now, per Tom Silverstein of the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel, offensive coordinator Edgar Bennett said Lacy will continue being involved with the Packers attack.
“Eddie, he’ll have more opportunities. I guess [Sunday] was really more injury-related than anything else. We’ve definitely got to get him going.”
Lacy exited the matchup with the Carolina Panthers early due to a groin injury, and Starks tallied 122 total yards and a touchdown. Two games earlier, the backup registered 117 total yards and scored twice.
Starks’ success means he’s earned a larger role, and Green Bay appears set to give him an increased volume of snaps even when Lacy his healthy.
Granted, injuries have factored into Lacy’s rough campaign, since an ankle injury limited him for a couple weeks. During the recent four-game stretch, he’s trudged to just 78 yards and one touchdown on 33 carries.
When Lacy is healthy, he’s clearly the best option for the Packers backfield. After all, he topped 1,100 yards and scored at least nine touchdowns during his first two NFL seasons. Starks is a terrific backup, but he’s best suited for the second-string role.
If the playoffs started tomorrow, Green Bay would be wise to commit to the hot hand. But the postseason is nearly two months away. Patience with Lacy is the right choice.