Mike McCarthy
Green Bay Packers coach Mike McCarthy said James Starks and Jared Cook “practiced well yesterday. We’re going to see if we can increase their workload today.”
Depending on how their padded workout goes today, both players could be ready to return to action when the Packers face the Tennessee Titans in Nashville on Sunday.
The Packers are desperate for Cook to return after missing six weeks with a high-ankle sprain that he suffered in the Detroit game. Without Cook running routes down the middle of the field, the Packers’ offense has struggled.
Starks could bring some stability back to the running back position when he returns to the lineup. Although it will be interesting to see how Mike McCarthy uses both he and Ty Montgomery, who has flourished in a diminished backfield role.
Montgomery is averaging 5.7 yards a carry in a very limited role. Before Starks left the lineup, he was averaging just 1.8 yards
Montgomery has also performed well in a pass blocking role on third downs, which has led to McCarthy using Montgomery on all three downs.
Clay Matthews
Packers linebacker Clay Matthews, who had a setback last Friday and didn’t play Sunday against the Colts, missed practice on Wednesday.
Packers coach Mike McCarthy was hoping to see Matthews do more today (Thursday).
“Today will tell us a lot. He’s going to be in the early rehab group before practice,” McCarthy said.