James Starks activated from PUP (1 Viewer)

[BigJim®]

Packers activate Starks, release FrancoisPosted Nov. 09, 2010 @ 5:56 p.m. ETBy PFW staffThe Packers have activated rookie RB James Starks from the physically-unable-to-perform list and released LB Robert Francois.Starks, who was selected by the Packers in the sixth round (193rd overall) of the 2010 draft out of the University at Buffalo, has been sidelined with a hamstring injury since August. He finished his career at Buffalo as the school’s all-time rushing leader with 3,140 yards in three seasons. Francois, who had been backing up Clay Matthews at left outside linebacker, appeared in three games for the Packers this season.The Packers also released S Michael Greco from the practice squad.The way we see itWith veterans Brandon Jackson and John Kuhn and rookie Dimitri Nance collectively doing a very respectable job replacing the injured Ryan Grant, it’s unlikely Starks will see much action as a running back. But he could make his presence felt on special teams and perhaps replace Nance as the third running back on occasion as the season wears on.

 

[nlgb1]

starks takes most carries by end of season, bjax back to 3rd down back, kuhn back to fullback. all is right in the packer running game again

 

[K8!]

It means the Packers were carrying fewer backs than was reasonable. Injury insurance, nothing more. There is no way they let him see the field and potentially miss an assignment getting Rodgers hurt unless they have no other options. The kid has not played a meaningful down in years and has no pro experience.

BTW I have him on all my dynasty teams.

 

[sho nuff]

starks takes most carries by end of season, bjax back to 3rd down back, kuhn back to fullback. all is right in the packer running game again

Why do you think this?Just not sure they are ready to trust him in pass protection when needed.I think he gets mixed in slowly with a few screens and late game carries...nothing more really.Jackson will continue to get the majority of the carries and receptions.

 

[3nOut]

If he turns out to be any good, you might now see the next RBBC (if it already hasn't been). Jackson has been serviceable and I can't see GB benching him altogether in favor of Starks, especially since Jackson is much more familiar with the playbook, has been actually running the plays, and since Starks has not yet proven he can protect the QB.

That may all change with increased familiarity with the playbook, but I think he will at best split carries 50/50. Look more to me like Starks will be used to give Jackson a breather. Even if he takes over for Jackson, will you have the confidence starting him for your FF playoffs?

 

[SrLimpio]

I've read that Starks has been practicing as a kickoff return specialist. Rookie Sam Shields has recently been named the kickoff returner by McCarthy, so they could be making an effort to provide depth here or protect members of their surprisingly effective secondary from injury.

 

[Breesisdaman]

he may get a few carries here and there to spell Brandon

 

[harryhood]

Hopefully this means the 2011 Dynasty Train is revving up!

 

[Donsmith753]

I've read that Starks has been practicing as a kickoff return specialist. Rookie Sam Shields has recently been named the kickoff returner by McCarthy, so they could be making an effort to provide depth here or protect members of their surprisingly effective secondary from injury.

And was Harris not released because of the play of Shields (may be totally off base here). If that's the case then it could mean they want to use Shields less on KR as a result of more playing time on D.

 

[sho nuff]

I've read that Starks has been practicing as a kickoff return specialist. Rookie Sam Shields has recently been named the kickoff returner by McCarthy, so they could be making an effort to provide depth here or protect members of their surprisingly effective secondary from injury.

And was Harris not released because of the play of Shields (may be totally off base here). If that's the case then it could mean they want to use Shields less on KR as a result of more playing time on D.

Shields just started on KR.I think they want him back there as fast and dynamic as he is.Though, when Pat Lee is healthy, they may put him back there a bit more instead of Shields.They don't seem to worry about who is playing on special teams vs. starting D.Nick Collins and Tramon Williams have been working the special teams units.

 

[Man in the yellow hat]

I've read that Starks has been practicing as a kickoff return specialist. Rookie Sam Shields has recently been named the kickoff returner by McCarthy, so they could be making an effort to provide depth here or protect members of their surprisingly effective secondary from injury.

And was Harris not released because of the play of Shields (may be totally off base here). If that's the case then it could mean they want to use Shields less on KR as a result of more playing time on D.

They don't seem to worry about who is playing on special teams vs. starting D.Nick Collins and Tramon Williams have been working the special teams units.

I can't say I agree completely here. Yes, Williams and Collins are playing there. But I think it's pretty clear that it was never an option with Al Harris. And being that he would have been no better than DB4 due to the play of Shields, that hurts a team's special teams depth.Thompson is emphasizing special teams, as he should, especially at the backend of the DB roster.

 

[sho nuff]

I've read that Starks has been practicing as a kickoff return specialist. Rookie Sam Shields has recently been named the kickoff returner by McCarthy, so they could be making an effort to provide depth here or protect members of their surprisingly effective secondary from injury.

And was Harris not released because of the play of Shields (may be totally off base here). If that's the case then it could mean they want to use Shields less on KR as a result of more playing time on D.

They don't seem to worry about who is playing on special teams vs. starting D.Nick Collins and Tramon Williams have been working the special teams units.

I can't say I agree completely here. Yes, Williams and Collins are playing there. But I think it's pretty clear that it was never an option with Al Harris. And being that he would have been no better than DB4 due to the play of Shields, that hurts a team's special teams depth.Thompson is emphasizing special teams, as he should, especially at the backend of the DB roster.

I wasn't commenting on using Harris there...just that last quote of they might want to use Shields less on KR as a result of more playing time on D.I don't think that is a concern with them right now since Tramon is returning punts and both he and Collins are in on the coverage units.

 

[FFdork]

It means he was activated from the PUP list.

Regards,

The Fantasy Football Dork

Sorry, couldn't resist for those of us that frequent James Starks threads. What I really think is that it means he's a guy to keep an eye on. Personally I think Brandon Jackson has been playing better recently after initially being 2010's most over-hyped fantasy player. I think Starks is a long shot to contribute in 2010, but fantasy football history is littered with guys that get a shot late in the season and put up big numbers.

 

[BeaverCleaver]

starks takes most carries by end of season, bjax back to 3rd down back, kuhn back to fullback. all is right in the packer running game again

Why do you think this?Just not sure they are ready to trust him in pass protection when needed.I think he gets mixed in slowly with a few screens and late game carries...nothing more really.Jackson will continue to get the majority of the carries and receptions.

According to Elias, Starks' 73 rushing yards were the most by a Packers rookie running back in his first game since Ralph Earhart had 78 at Boston on Sept. 17, 1948.

 

[3nOut]

OK, the kid had a pretty nice first game, but do you trust him enough to play him in your FF playoffs against the Pats and Giants?

 

[ttea]

This reeks of the N.O. backfield. I'd stay away.

 

[Godsbrother]

OK, the kid had a pretty nice first game, but do you trust him enough to play him in your FF playoffs against the Pats and Giants?

The Pats run defense has been pretty bad this year hasn't it?

 

[massraider]

OK, the kid had a pretty nice first game, but do you trust him enough to play him in your FF playoffs against the Pats and Giants?

I wouldn't, unless I was forced to.I always thought Starks' value was in dynasty/keeper. Pick him up, hope they don't re-sign Grant, and hope they don't draft a back in the top 3 rounds next year.

 

[FFdork]

OK, the kid had a pretty nice first game, but do you trust him enough to play him in your FF playoffs against the Pats and Giants?

I assume this is a desperation play due to injuries. If that's the case I think you could do worse. Someone compared it to the N.O. backfield as a negative, but there's also the similarity in that this is a prolific offense which is what has made some unexpected N.O. RBs fantasy gold at this time in years past.

 

[Gopher State]

Starks will be a nice back up, once Grant is back. I bet we draft a back in the 3 or 4 round next year

 

[ttea]

OK, the kid had a pretty nice first game, but do you trust him enough to play him in your FF playoffs against the Pats and Giants?

I assume this is a desperation play due to injuries. If that's the case I think you could do worse. Someone compared it to the N.O. backfield as a negative, but there's also the similarity in that this is a prolific offense which is what has made some unexpected N.O. RBs fantasy gold at this time in years past.

I made the comparison.But I was comparing it to this years N.O. backfield from earlier this year, where you aren't sure who's going to get the most touches, Jones, Ivory or Betts.It can't be compared to last year where it was pretty much Thomas carrying the ball and Bush getting the receptions and occasional rushes.

 

[sho nuff]

Starks will be a nice back up, once Grant is back. I bet we draft a back in the 3 or 4 round next year

We? Since when are you a Packer fan?

 

[Breesisdaman]

Starks will be a nice back up, once Grant is back. I bet we draft a back in the 3 or 4 round next year

We? Since when are you a Packer fan?

Since the Vikings began smelling up the joint.

 

[deep vacuum]

This reeks of the N.O. backfield. I'd stay away.

If he can continue to move the chains when needed, he'll stay the starter. Jackson looked much fresher in a 3rd down role and the coaching staff has been dreaming that someone, anyone could step up and pound the ball for them in bad December weather. I wouldn't expect much more than what you saw Sunday but it is what's needed for the Packers to have success in December and the playoffs if they get that far. If you need 7 FF points every week, I think he'll give you that.