The Green Bay Packers had hoped Cedric Benson would be able to return to the lineup late in the season after suffering a Lisfranc
injury at Indianapolis. But the Packers are going to have to make their postseason push without Benson.
Packers coach Mike McCarthy announced today that Benson would remain on injured reserve after undergoing season-ending foot surgery on Wednesday.
Benson had been the Packers’ designated IR exemption this season. In five games prior to the injury, Benson rushed for 248 yards on 71 carries and a touchdown.
It leaves the Packers moving forward with James Starks, Alex Green and John Kuhn.
AUDIO: Mike McCarthy on moving on without Benson :16
It’s more bad news for the Packers. After announcing that wide receiver Greg Jennings would return to the lineup this Sunday against the Vikings, the Packers learned that Benson would be done for the year.
AUDIO: John Kuhn on getting one guy back and losing another :14
It’ll be important that the Packers establish a ground attack and develop some consistency as they play four of the last five games against division opponents and only one comes in favorable conditions, the Vikings in the season finale at the Metrodome.
The Packers and Vikings square off this Sunday at Lambeau Field.