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Packers release veteran running back James Starks

By Connor Learn

Dec 4, 2016; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers running back James Starks runs for yardage in the first quarter against the Houston Texans at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Dan Powers/The Post-Crescent via USA TODAY Sports
Dec 4, 2016; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers running back James Starks runs for yardage in the first quarter against the Houston Texans at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Dan Powers/The Post-Crescent via USA TODAY Sports /
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The Green Bay Packers may be making some changes after another playoff loss. Today the team released running back James Starks, who had been with the team for seven seasons.

James Starks was a draft day steal for general manager Ted Thompson back in 2010. Taken in the sixth round out of Buffalo, Starks made his Packers debut during November of his rookie season. He helped solidify the ground game with his efforts and helped them win Super Bowl XLV. Starks ran for the third most yards ever by a rookie in a postseason and the future looked bright for him.

An upward, physical runner, Starks battled a variety of injuries during the next six seasons in Green Bay. He missed nearly half of his games during his first four seasons in the league. The Packers elected to draft Eddie Lacy in the 2014 NFL Draft and bring Starks back in a more limited role as his backup. He played a consistent role in the screen game and played more extensively when Lacy faced struggles for portions of these last three seasons.

The 2016 season was a trying time for Starks. Armed with a two-year extension, he was supposed to play a factor in one of the NFL’s most explosive offenses. His play suffered, however, as he averaged a career low 2.3 yards per carry.  Starks then tore his meniscus and faced a loss in the family. Then in December, while recovering, Starks’ SUV was hit by an 18-wheeler and suffered a concussion in the crash.

The Packers were able to release Starks with a non-football injury designation, which means that as a result of his crash, they can cut ties with him and terminate his contract. Even if that didn’t occur, however, they may have cut him. The soon to be 31-yea -old running back didn’t play at the level he once did in 2016. If he comes back healthy in the fall, he could get a chance elsewhere.

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Moving forward in Green Bay

Green Bay is at a crossroads at the running back position. Starks is now gone. Lacy and Christine Michael are free agents. Youngsters John Crockett and Don Jackson are almost entirely unproven. Despite Ty Montgomery officially switching to running back full time, this will be a position to address in some way in the offseason. This should be a good draft for running backs, and Thompson could elect to re-sign Lacy or Michael yet.

One thing is certain though, and it is that Starks will not be in the Packers backfield for the first time in eight years.

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