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Green Packers hosting running back C.J. Spiller

By Brad Berreman

Sep 1, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints running back C.J. Spiller (28) warms up before the game against the Baltimore Ravens at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Matt Bush-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 1, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints running back C.J. Spiller (28) warms up before the game against the Baltimore Ravens at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Matt Bush-USA TODAY Sports /
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With a stagnant offense two games into the season, the Green Bay Packers are having running back C.J. Spiller in for a visit.

The Green Bay Packers have one of the NFL’s best quarterbacks in Aaron Rodgers, but if not for a couple of pass interference calls in Week 2 they may have been shut out by the Minnesota Vikings. The return of wide receiver Jordy Nelson has not provided the expected spark through two games, so some reinforcements may be necessary.

Eddie Lacy and James Starks have not been at the core of Green Bay’s problems offensively, but neither back has been particularly productive either. To that end, the Packers are hosting a running back on Tuesday.

Spiller had a disappointing 2015 season with the New Orleans Saints, with just 70 touches and two receiving touchdowns over 13 games. Rumors of a lingering knee injury were prevalent, but he made the Saints’ 53-man roster this year before being a healthy scratch Week 1. The Saints released Spiller on Sept. 13, and he quite possibly became the best running back available.

Spiller was last a useful player in 2013 with the Buffalo Bills, when he averaged 4.6 yards per carry but was arguably underused (201 carries) over 15 games. His best season came with the Bills in 2012, with 1,244 rushing yards (6.0 yards per carry) and a career-high 43 receptions.

Based on his recent body of work, Spiller wouldn’t help revive a lackluster Packers’ running game. But Lacy and Starks have combined for just five pass targets through two games, somewhat inexplicably all things considered, so perhaps Spiller could carve out a passing down role and make an impact.

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A visit is a far cry from a signing, but there aren’t many good outside options for the Packers to turn to and try to spark their offense. Spiller is as good as anyone that is available at any position right now, which is to be expected heading into Week 3.

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