One day after Green Bay Packers coach Mike McCarthy vowed to run the ball more, ESPN’s Adam Caplan reported that the Packers had free agent running back C.J. Spiller in for a free-agent visit.
Spiller was released by the New Orleans Saints last week, just over a year after he signed a four-year, $16-million contract.
Spiller was limited last season because of a knee injury, but the ninth-overall pick in the 2010 draft rushed for 933 yards in 15 games in 2013. His best year was in 2012 when he rushed for 1,244 yards and six touchdowns.
The Packers currently have an open roster spot after releasing running back Jhurell Pressley last week.
The Packers have struggled during the first two weeks offensively. They rank 30th in the NFL in total offense and 19th in rushing yards per game.
McCarthy said Monday that his running backs haven’t been given enough opportunities to run the ball. Eddie Lacy averaged 4.3 yards per carry Sunday but had just 12 rushing attempts against the Vikings.
In two games this season, backup James Starks has just 10 yards rushing on 11 carries.