Eddie Lacy
It’s not like Eddie Lacy won’t get any more chances to run the football, but Green Bay Packers coach Mike McCarthy has demoted Lacy from his starting tailback job this Sunday against the Detroit Lions. The job now belongs to James Starks.
Packers coach Mike McCarthy made the announcement on Wednesday. McCarthy said Starks has played very well and has earned the opportunity. But McCarthy also said he is not a big believer in just riding one running back the whole season. He said they’ll stay with a 1-2 punch.
Lacy has rushed for more than 1,100 yards each of the last two seasons, but has rushed for just 308 yards at the halfway mark of this season.
Starks meanwhile, is the Packers leading rusher with 334 yards in eight games with five fewer carries than Lacy.
In the October 18th game against San Diego, Starks started and rushed for 112 yards on 10 carries while Lacy managed just three yards on four carries.
Lacy has had injury issues this season. He has been slowed by a sprained ankle and then suffered a groin injury on Sunday against Carolina. But Lacy has practiced twice already this week which means the groin injury doesn’t appear to be too serious.
AUDIO: Lacy on losing his job :12
AUDIO: Lacy asked what’s up with his game :13
AUDIO: James Starks asked if he was surprised at the promotion :13
AUDIO: Mike McCarthy announces the decision :13