Cedric Benson SIGNED with Green Bay. (1 Viewer)

[ponchsox]

League minimum? Well, that sounds like Benson needed the work and GB didn't think they just had to have him. Looks like it was more of a depth signing due to the Starks injury.

What does Benson have to lose? He could end up with a Super Bowl ring out of it.

 

[Jeremy]

League minimum? Well, that sounds like Benson needed the work and GB didn't think they just had to have him. Looks like it was more of a depth signing due to the Starks injury.

It's being described by some as a "3 week tryout". He may end up the starter, or he may not even make the team. Depends on his performance and the health of the other RBs.Those who are drafting early should proceed with caution.

 

[VaTerp]

League minimum? Well, that sounds like Benson needed the work and GB didn't think they just had to have him. Looks like it was more of a depth signing due to the Starks injury.

It's being described by some as a "3 week tryout". He may end up the starter, or he may not even make the team. Depends on his performance and the health of the other RBs.Those who are drafting early should proceed with caution.

Indeed. I would not be surprised by any number of wide ranging scenarios.But I'll go on a bit of a limb and say I like the chances of Benson emerging as a solid RB2/3/flex guy in the Packers offense. The guy has been a pretty steady RB option for the last 3 years. He will now be in one of the best offenses in the league with abundant scoring opportunities. From what I've seen GB still likes to line up in some power formations and just come at you despite being a prolific passing offense. Benson also seems well suited to be a closer in the ground game with the Packers are protecting leads and their MVP QB. Maybe a lot of it is my lack of confidence in Starks and unfamiliarity with Green or Spaine. But I like Cedric Benson to have one more solid year in him. He's in a really good situation if he can take advantage of it.

 

[meyerj31]

===

The Packers, who announced the signing late Sunday afternoon, began negotiating with Benson’s representative last Friday, the day after starting halfback James Starks sustained a turf-toe injury that will sideline him for at least this week and perhaps several more thereafter.

===

As I stated before it's ridiculous to think that they signed Benson because Starks didn't perform well during the preseason game. The only reason they add an aging veteran RB would be due to injury.

 

[fatness]

As I stated before it's ridiculous to think that they signed Benson because Starks didn't perform well during the preseason game.

Because Starks was performing so well?

 

[smackdaddies]

===The Packers, who announced the signing late Sunday afternoon, began negotiating with Benson’s representative last Friday, the day after starting halfback James Starks sustained a turf-toe injury that will sideline him for at least this week and perhaps several more thereafter.===As I stated before it's ridiculous to think that they signed Benson because Starks didn't perform well during the preseason game. The only reason they add an aging veteran RB would be due to injury.

the only reason? He could not beat out a rb who not only the Packers did not re-sign, but no one has signed.He is injured all the freaking time (what, this year is year 4)He is terrible at blitz protectionBad at short yardageand there are more. Stark is simply a marginal NFL running back

 

[greggorymac]

Does the addition of Benson change GB's reliance on Kuhn at the goal line when they do decide to run it?

 

[meyerj31]

Does the addition of Benson change GB's reliance on Kuhn at the goal line when they do decide to run it?

Kuhn has barely practiced from a knee injury last year. Alex Green is recovering from major knee surgery. Saine has a hamstring injury. Starks has turf toe. These are the reasons for the Pack signing Benson. If all of those guys were healthy there is 0% chance of them signing an aging veteran back.

 

[BallparkFrank]

Does the addition of Benson change GB's reliance on Kuhn at the goal line when they do decide to run it?

I think this is a good point that is often overlooked when trying to figure out Benson's potential value. He could basically take over for Starks AND Kuhn plus some of Rodgers which could be a bit more productive than a lot of people think.

 

[sho nuff]

Does the addition of Benson change GB's reliance on Kuhn at the goal line when they do decide to run it?

Kuhn has barely practiced from a knee injury last year. Alex Green is recovering from major knee surgery. Saine has a hamstring injury. Starks has turf toe. These are the reasons for the Pack signing Benson. If all of those guys were healthy there is 0% chance of them signing an aging veteran back.

Kuhn was practicing today...then went down with an ankle injury at the end of practice.

 

[greggorymac]

Does the addition of Benson change GB's reliance on Kuhn at the goal line when they do decide to run it?

I think this is a good point that is often overlooked when trying to figure out Benson's potential value. He could basically take over for Starks AND Kuhn plus some of Rodgers which could be a bit more productive than a lot of people think.

That's what I was getting at... any chance that some of Kuhn's TDs get shifted over to Benson assuming Benson is a stronger inside runner than Starks/Grant or will Kuhn's contributions remain the same. Were they previously using Kuhn out of design or necessity?

 

[meyerj31]

Does the addition of Benson change GB's reliance on Kuhn at the goal line when they do decide to run it?

I think this is a good point that is often overlooked when trying to figure out Benson's potential value. He could basically take over for Starks AND Kuhn plus some of Rodgers which could be a bit more productive than a lot of people think.

That's what I was getting at... any chance that some of Kuhn's TDs get shifted over to Benson assuming Benson is a stronger inside runner than Starks/Grant or will Kuhn's contributions remain the same. Were they previously using Kuhn out of design or necessity?

I think it was just to throw defenses off. Would you classify that as design? Certainly wasn't necessary, was it? With a team sporting Jennings, Nelson, Finley, and Grant/Starks last year, who expects them to give it to a fullback? Maybe they did need a bruiser to do it, though, and Benson might fill that role as well.

 

[LawFitz]

1200/10 should be easy if Ced starts 16 games for this team.

 

[Routilla]

Is Benson in camp yet? Any early reports of how he's doing?

 

[Donnybrook]

1200/10 should be easy if Ced starts 16 games for this team.

This seems overly optomistic. Here is another man's opinion: http://www.jsonline....-166207616.html

Only once was a Packer running back fed more than 13 carries in a game last season. Benson has received less than 13 attempts only three times the last three seasons.

 

[The Kerminator]

Is Benson in camp yet? Any early reports of how he's doing?

Yes, Benson is in camp. Per CBA he is not allowed to practice in full pads the first 2 days. Wednesday was an off day and they have a game on Thursday.

 

[Eviloutsider]

Let's talk draft position/where is he ranked around. Since the news I have seen him taken prior to Starks in the 8th. Anyone else?

 

[v12themonster]

Let's talk draft position/where is he ranked around. Since the news I have seen him taken prior to Starks in the 8th. Anyone else?

I have seen him taken in the 7th in 14team lgs. Its crazy because the guy played great last year and it doesnt matter why they brought him in, fact is he can play and the rest of the RBs are hurt. I he is available I might have to take him.

 

[CapnJB]

Benson isn't that good, but he doesn't fumble and won't make mistakes like Starks.

I'd heard that fumbling was a problem with him.

me two

he had one bad year fumbling, otherwise he has only fumbled on .05% of his carries.

I think your math is a little off there unless you are suggesting that he had 24,000 carries in 6 years. Taking away the 7 fumble year, he fumbled once every 100 carries or 1%. Looking at his entire career (which you should) it's once every 80 carries. (19 fumbles in 1529 carries*)*using data from pro-football-reference.com

 

[baconisgood]

Fantasy Football Calculator has Benson in the 8th round now. That seems ridiculous.

 

[Banger]

Fantasy Football Calculator has Benson in the 8th round now. That seems ridiculous.

ridiculous on high side or ridiculous on low side?

 

[VaTerp]

Fantasy Football Calculator has Benson in the 8th round now. That seems ridiculous.

I'm high on Benson this year but that seems about right to me. He's grouped with guys like Helu, Blount, and D. Wilson. On one hand he's a proven RB coming off three consecutive 1,000 yard seasons. And his competition for carries has underwhelming credentials.On the other hand, he's had a lot of carries the last 4 years, is approaching 30, and has yet to put in a single day of full practice with the team.I'd expect his ADP to move up quite a bit over the next two weeks if things go like I think but round 8 seems pretty reasonable right now.

 

[baconisgood]

On the other hand, he's had a lot of carries the last 4 years, is approaching 30, and has yet to put in a single day of full practice with the team.

This is why I think its nuts- he hasn't even made the team. All the other players around him are assured of roster spots and are (likely) slated for work during the regular season. At 30 and coming off back 2 back seasons averaging less than 4 yards per carry and has never averaged 2 receptions a game in his career (or double digit TDs). Right now I would consider an 11th or 12th rounder for him, but I'm not going higher until he actually suits up for the team in a preseason game and I can asses if they want him as emergency depth or if they will give him a legit chance. I'm not spending an 8th rounder on a guy I think has a good chance to be looking for a team in 2 weeks.

 

[LawFitz]

Not a fan of the other Packer RBs.

While I think Ced is very one-dimensional, he's also very good at that one dimension. He's healthy and has a major chip on his shoulder right now. He's in prime position to be the BJGE of this offense.

8th round sounds about right.

 

[baconisgood]

Not a fan of the other Packer RBs.While I think Ced is very one-dimensional, he's also very good at that one dimension. He's healthy and has a major chip on his shoulder right now. He's in prime position to be the BJGE of this offense. 8th round sounds about right.

What about Cedric is "very good"? His y/c has flat out stunk almost his entire career. He had 1 single season with 4.2 yards per carry in the past 5 but the other 4 were sub 4.0 and 3 of them 3.5 or 3.4. He actually has the 7th worst y/c since 1970 for RBs with 1200+ carries. He's not particularly good as a goal line rusher, hes got terrible hands. In general hes been a crap running back who had one surprisingly solid season and followed it up with a bunch or (being generous) mediocrity. I personally couldn't care less if he has a chip on his shoulder at 30 and with his track record he is only beating out injured and replacement level players.

 

[Art Vandalay]

Not a fan of the other Packer RBs.While I think Ced is very one-dimensional, he's also very good at that one dimension. He's healthy and has a major chip on his shoulder right now. He's in prime position to be the BJGE of this offense. 8th round sounds about right.

What about Cedric is "very good"? His y/c has flat out stunk almost his entire career. He had 1 single season with 4.2 yards per carry in the past 5 but the other 4 were sub 4.0 and 3 of them 3.5 or 3.4. He actually has the 7th worst y/c since 1970 for RBs with 1200+ carries. He's not particularly good as a goal line rusher, hes got terrible hands. In general hes been a crap running back who had one surprisingly solid season and followed it up with a bunch or (being generous) mediocrity. I personally couldn't care less if he has a chip on his shoulder at 30 and with his track record he is only beating out injured and replacement level players.

You seem to be the type to just look at the stats...which is understandable but as a Bengal fan I have watched Benson game in and game out. He runs hard and with power and still has a great burst. Marvi Lewis is probaly the least creative play caller in the laegue and the Bengals lead the lead in always running on 1st down. Predictabilty lead to a lower YPC average.

 

[VaTerp]

To each their own.

I think 8th round is a reasonable price to pay for a guy who has a good chance be the leading rusher, goaline RB on one of the most explosive offenses in football.

Sure, there's risk but there's upside too. Thats what you're gonna get out of a 8th round RB.

 

[baconisgood]

Not a fan of the other Packer RBs.While I think Ced is very one-dimensional, he's also very good at that one dimension. He's healthy and has a major chip on his shoulder right now. He's in prime position to be the BJGE of this offense. 8th round sounds about right.

What about Cedric is "very good"? His y/c has flat out stunk almost his entire career. He had 1 single season with 4.2 yards per carry in the past 5 but the other 4 were sub 4.0 and 3 of them 3.5 or 3.4. He actually has the 7th worst y/c since 1970 for RBs with 1200+ carries. He's not particularly good as a goal line rusher, hes got terrible hands. In general hes been a crap running back who had one surprisingly solid season and followed it up with a bunch or (being generous) mediocrity. I personally couldn't care less if he has a chip on his shoulder at 30 and with his track record he is only beating out injured and replacement level players.

You seem to be the type to just look at the stats...which is understandable but as a Bengal fan I have watched Benson game in and game out. He runs hard and with power and still has a great burst. Marvi Lewis is probaly the least creative play caller in the laegue and the Bengals lead the lead in always running on 1st down. Predictabilty lead to a lower YPC average.

I'm a Browns fan and have watched plenty of Benson games. His burst is piss poor and his power mediocre. Game charters agree with me putting Benson at the bottom of Elusive ratings on Profootball focus and at the bottom of DVOA and DYAR at football outsiders.

 

[Chicago Hooligan]

I'm not drafting him. He has little upside because his carries won't be "fantasy relevant" for the most part - they brought in Benson to get 4 or 5 yards when they are up by 13 points in the 4th quarter. Not to grind into the red zone, carving out chunks of yardage and TDs.

I expect about 100 fantasy points out of Benson. That was RB 36 last year... aka exactly where Ryan Grant finished. Pass.

 

[Pipes]

Not a fan of the other Packer RBs.

While I think Ced is very one-dimensional, he's also very good at that one dimension. He's healthy and has a major chip on his shoulder right now. He's in prime position to be the BJGE of this offense.

8th round sounds about right.

What about Cedric is "very good"? His y/c has flat out stunk almost his entire career. He had 1 single season with 4.2 yards per carry in the past 5 but the other 4 were sub 4.0 and 3 of them 3.5 or 3.4. He actually has the 7th worst y/c since 1970 for RBs with 1200+ carries. He's not particularly good as a goal line rusher, hes got terrible hands. In general hes been a crap running back who had one surprisingly solid season and followed it up with a bunch or (being generous) mediocrity. I personally couldn't care less if he has a chip on his shoulder at 30 and with his track record he is only beating out injured and replacement level players.

Fortunately for Benson that's all GB current has in their running back stable.

 

[baconisgood]

Not a fan of the other Packer RBs.While I think Ced is very one-dimensional, he's also very good at that one dimension. He's healthy and has a major chip on his shoulder right now. He's in prime position to be the BJGE of this offense. 8th round sounds about right.

What about Cedric is "very good"? His y/c has flat out stunk almost his entire career. He had 1 single season with 4.2 yards per carry in the past 5 but the other 4 were sub 4.0 and 3 of them 3.5 or 3.4. He actually has the 7th worst y/c since 1970 for RBs with 1200+ carries. He's not particularly good as a goal line rusher, hes got terrible hands. In general hes been a crap running back who had one surprisingly solid season and followed it up with a bunch or (being generous) mediocrity. I personally couldn't care less if he has a chip on his shoulder at 30 and with his track record he is only beating out injured and replacement level players.

You seem to be the type to just look at the stats...which is understandable but as a Bengal fan I have watched Benson game in and game out. He runs hard and with power and still has a great burst. Marvi Lewis is probaly the least creative play caller in the laegue and the Bengals lead the lead in always running on 1st down. Predictabilty lead to a lower YPC average.

I also love the "your just looking at the stats" angle. Cedric's stats are among the worst in the league over a 40 year sample- and this was during what should be his physical prime. Arguing that he is better than his situation is fine but that hardly brings a guy from dregs of the league up to league average. Perhaps you could give him a bump towards mediocrity, but then again you should probably ding him for hitting 30 as well.

 

[baconisgood]

Not a fan of the other Packer RBs.

While I think Ced is very one-dimensional, he's also very good at that one dimension. He's healthy and has a major chip on his shoulder right now. He's in prime position to be the BJGE of this offense.

8th round sounds about right.

What about Cedric is "very good"? His y/c has flat out stunk almost his entire career. He had 1 single season with 4.2 yards per carry in the past 5 but the other 4 were sub 4.0 and 3 of them 3.5 or 3.4. He actually has the 7th worst y/c since 1970 for RBs with 1200+ carries. He's not particularly good as a goal line rusher, hes got terrible hands. In general hes been a crap running back who had one surprisingly solid season and followed it up with a bunch or (being generous) mediocrity. I personally couldn't care less if he has a chip on his shoulder at 30 and with his track record he is only beating out injured and replacement level players.

Fortunately for Benson that's all GB current has in their running back stable.

I agree, and this is why I would use an 11th or 12th rounder on him. If he makes the team, and if he gets playing time he could have a fantasy impact (though I see no way hes a top 10 back and little chance at top 15 unless every GB back is injured all year). But then again Blount could be a top 15 back if Martin is injured, Wilson if Bradshaw goes down, Deangelo if Stewart goes down, ect.

 

[Monsters of the Midway]

I can't believe that people are describing Benson as "great" and showing great burst. I have seen many, many of his games/carries and would never use those terms for him. He's much closer to replacement level than great by every metric available to me-standard numbers, advanced metrics and the old eyeball test.

 

[Pipes]

Not a fan of the other Packer RBs.

While I think Ced is very one-dimensional, he's also very good at that one dimension. He's healthy and has a major chip on his shoulder right now. He's in prime position to be the BJGE of this offense.

8th round sounds about right.

What about Cedric is "very good"? His y/c has flat out stunk almost his entire career. He had 1 single season with 4.2 yards per carry in the past 5 but the other 4 were sub 4.0 and 3 of them 3.5 or 3.4. He actually has the 7th worst y/c since 1970 for RBs with 1200+ carries. He's not particularly good as a goal line rusher, hes got terrible hands. In general hes been a crap running back who had one surprisingly solid season and followed it up with a bunch or (being generous) mediocrity. I personally couldn't care less if he has a chip on his shoulder at 30 and with his track record he is only beating out injured and replacement level players.

Fortunately for Benson that's all GB current has in their running back stable.

I agree, and this is why I would use an 11th or 12th rounder on him. If he makes the team, and if he gets playing time he could have a fantasy impact (though I see no way hes a top 10 back and little chance at top 15 unless every GB back is injured all year). But then again Blount could be a top 15 back if Martin is injured, Wilson if Bradshaw goes down, Deangelo if Stewart goes down, ect.

Who's saying that? You're the one saying he's not an 8th round pick. Most fantasy teams are drafting their RB3's by then. I don't think anyone is saying or implying that he could be a top 15 RB. I think he's worth a gamble somewhere in the 8th round or so.

 

[baconisgood]

Not a fan of the other Packer RBs.

While I think Ced is very one-dimensional, he's also very good at that one dimension. He's healthy and has a major chip on his shoulder right now. He's in prime position to be the BJGE of this offense.

8th round sounds about right.

What about Cedric is "very good"? His y/c has flat out stunk almost his entire career. He had 1 single season with 4.2 yards per carry in the past 5 but the other 4 were sub 4.0 and 3 of them 3.5 or 3.4. He actually has the 7th worst y/c since 1970 for RBs with 1200+ carries. He's not particularly good as a goal line rusher, hes got terrible hands. In general hes been a crap running back who had one surprisingly solid season and followed it up with a bunch or (being generous) mediocrity. I personally couldn't care less if he has a chip on his shoulder at 30 and with his track record he is only beating out injured and replacement level players.

Fortunately for Benson that's all GB current has in their running back stable.

I agree, and this is why I would use an 11th or 12th rounder on him. If he makes the team, and if he gets playing time he could have a fantasy impact (though I see no way hes a top 10 back and little chance at top 15 unless every GB back is injured all year). But then again Blount could be a top 15 back if Martin is injured, Wilson if Bradshaw goes down, Deangelo if Stewart goes down, ect.

Who's saying that? You're the one saying he's not an 8th round pick. Most fantasy teams are drafting their RB3's by then. I don't think anyone is saying or implying that he could be a top 15 RB. I think he's worth a gamble somewhere in the 8th round or so.

I think anyone who is drafting him in the 8th round is saying that. First there are a bunch of RBs that have that kind of upside going near him and second he is a big risk to not even make the team (certainly compared to any RB taken near him) or get little work even if he does. Deangelo, Bush, Blount- these guys all have high upside if the main back goes down and a well defined role even if he doesn't.

 

[ponchsox]

I sure hope he's being drafted as nothing more than a bye week filler in deep leagues. If you plan on starting him, your team is already in deep trouble.

 

[Faust]

Limited explosiveness from Cedric Benson

By Kevin Seifert | ESPN.com

After another offseason spent discussing their offensive balance, we all know the Green Bay Packers won't suddenly turn themselves away from their potent passing game. What they would like to do, as we noted in our Packers Camp Confidential, is increase the number of explosive runs they produce to help take the edge off defenses aligned to play the pass.

Last season, the Packers ranked No. 24 in the NFL with 29 explosive runs, defined as runs that gain at least 12 yards. Speaking this summer at training camp, quarterback Aaron Rodgers suggested the team will work this season to identify plays that give it the best chance at explosiveness -- even if the run-pass ratio doesn't change.

So I thought it was worth looking into the history of running back Cedric Benson, whom the Packers signed this week to aid their injury-depleted backfield. Our general impression of Benson is as a hard inside runner and not really a breakaway threat, but sometimes the numbers can be surprising.

In this case, however, they were not.

The chart (click on the link to see the chart), courtesy of Jason Starrett of ESPN Stats & Information, breaks down the 98 explosive runs in Benson's seven-year career. That equals roughly 6.4 percent of his total carries over that span, which ranks 18th of 24 running backs with at least 1,000 carries since Benson's rookie season of 2005.

The league average of explosive runs per 1,000 carries over that span is 7.7 percent.

Benson hasn't played in many dynamic offenses during his time with the Chicago Bears and Cincinnati Bengals, but at his roots, he is a 5-foot-11, 227-pound bruiser whose career average is 3.8 yards per carry. As Matt Williamson of Scouts Inc. said when the Packers signed him, Benson will get what's blocked for him.

The hope for Benson and any running back in the Packers' offense is seeing more run-friendly defensive alignments, with fewer players in the box, than most teams see. A team looking for a veteran running back in August can't be picky, of course. Benson might well have been the best available. But historically speaking, Benson isn't the type of runner who can help the Packers fulfill their quest for extra explosiveness.

 

[beef]

Green is better.

 

[Raider Nation]

Green is better.

Based on what?

 

[RBM]

Green is better.

Based on what?

4 carries, 16 yards tonight....duh

 

[Raider Nation]

Green is better.

Based on what?

4 carries, 16 yards tonight....duh

I should find out if beef will put his $ where his mouth is.

 

[beef]

NFL GMs were crapping their pants in excitement to pick up Benson at the league minimum.

 

[Raider Nation]

NFL GMs were crapping their pants in excitement to pick up Benson at the league minimum.

And yet the Packers did indeed pick him up. What does that say about your boy LaDainian Green?

 

[Ace08]

Curious to hear people thoughts on the fit though....Benson is a traditional, between the tackles, line up in the I or some sort of under center formation and pound the ball kind of guy.

Don't the packers run mostly shotgun sets? Do you guys think he will be incorporated into this scheme. Is he going to re-define his game this late in his career?

 

[fatness]

Green Bay's roster could look like this

RUNNING BACKS (3)

Keep: Cedric Benson, Alex Green, Brandon Saine.

Cut: James Starks, Marc Tyler, Du'ane Bennett.

Summary: This positional group has been hammered by injuries throughout camp and is somewhat of a mystery. Benson signed Aug. 12 and began practicing Sunday. Benson has had three consecutive 1,000-yard seasons, and unless he falls on his face, the Packers seem ready to make him their lead back. Green is just beginning to regain his explosiveness after suffering an ACL tear last October. Coach Mike McCarthy loves Saine's versatility, smarts and steadiness. He's been fighting a hamstring injury but should survive. The surprise here would be the Packers giving up on Starks, their No. 1 back early in camp. But injuries have limited Starks to just 16 games his first two years, and he's out again with a turf toe. Dating back to his days at Buffalo, Starks has missed time five straight years. At some point, his inability to stay on the field will cost him. The guess is it's now. Tyler seems a good bet for the practice squad.

FULLBACKS (1)

Keep: John Kuhn.

Cut: Nic Cooper, Jon Hoese.

Summary: Kuhn was given a three-year, $7.5-million contract in 2011 and is one of McCarthy's favorites. Kuhn also is versatile enough to play running back in a pinch. He's not going anywhere. Hoese finished 2011 on the practice squad, but Cooper might take that spot in 2012.

 

[cheese]

Curious to hear people thoughts on the fit though....Benson is a traditional, between the tackles, line up in the I or some sort of under center formation and pound the ball kind of guy.Don't the packers run mostly shotgun sets? Do you guys think he will be incorporated into this scheme. Is he going to re-define his game this late in his career?

Benson is very good at pass pro, but I think it will be an odd fit if they intend to actually run out of the shotgun. He's a little slow to get going and his game is more "pound out 3 tough yards" than quick hitters to surprise teams expecting all passes. I can't say a ton about his receiving skills either way because the Bengals rarely ever even give their RB's a glance in the passing game. I wouldn't expect too much there.He also suddenly had some big fumbles last year after being considered fairly safe in prior years. Overall, I think he's good enough to win the job and ruin the position for fantasy without putting up a ton of stats himself.

 

[Dinsy Ejotuz]

The only hope for the Packers' RB position as far as fantasy goes is that Green is healthy, good and wins the job by mid-year. Far from guaranteed, though I like his chances since Starks and Benson are both terrible at this point. Any other scenarios lead to a positional wasteland IMO.

 

[Donnybrook]

The Packers traded for Ryan Grant with a pre-seaon trade with the Giants. It would surprise me to see them go down that road again this year. Chris Ivory could be candidate for a trade.

Edit it add: Travis Cadet would be a better fit with their offense. He like a poor man's Percy Harvin.

 

[Donnybrook]

Green Bay's roster could look like this

RUNNING BACKS (3)

Keep: Cedric Benson, Alex Green, Brandon Saine.

Cut: James Starks, Marc Tyler, Du'ane Bennett.

Summary: This positional group has been hammered by injuries throughout camp and is somewhat of a mystery. Benson signed Aug. 12 and began practicing Sunday. Benson has had three consecutive 1,000-yard seasons, and unless he falls on his face, the Packers seem ready to make him their lead back. Green is just beginning to regain his explosiveness after suffering an ACL tear last October. Coach Mike McCarthy loves Saine's versatility, smarts and steadiness. He's been fighting a hamstring injury but should survive. The surprise here would be the Packers giving up on Starks, their No. 1 back early in camp. But injuries have limited Starks to just 16 games his first two years, and he's out again with a turf toe. Dating back to his days at Buffalo, Starks has missed time five straight years. At some point, his inability to stay on the field will cost him. The guess is it's now. Tyler seems a good bet for the practice squad.

FULLBACKS (1)

Keep: John Kuhn.

Cut: Nic Cooper, Jon Hoese.

Summary: Kuhn was given a three-year, $7.5-million contract in 2011 and is one of McCarthy's favorites. Kuhn also is versatile enough to play running back in a pinch. He's not going anywhere. Hoese finished 2011 on the practice squad, but Cooper might take that spot in 2012.

Question for Packer fans: Does Rob Reischel know his stuff? He projecting that Starks and Harrel both get cut.

 

[rascal]

Tonights game might give us some information on this scenario.