Packers RB Eddie Lacy still has a chance to play Sunday

By foxsports
Published

GREEN BAY, Wis. -- Don't count out Eddie Lacy from Sunday's game just yet. With two days to go before the Green Bay Packers take the field in Cincinnati for their Week 3 matchup with the Bengals, Lacy hasn't been medically cleared from the NFL's concussion protocol. However, the Packers haven't given up hope that their rookie running back will be ready in time.

"Eddie Lacy's situation, frankly, I thought that there was a really good chance for him to practice today (Friday) based on his diagnosis after the game," coach Mike McCarthy said. "Once again, our doctors are going through the procedures and trusting the information. We still have time and the doctors are in charge of evaluating, going through the protocol.

"I know that Eddie Lacy wants to play, so we'll see what happens."

Lacy suffered a concussion on his first carry of Green Bay's Week 2 home win over the Washington Redskins. He hasn't practiced all week and is officially listed as questionable for Sunday's game at Cincinnati.

"Well, it's not ideal; it's not ideal for a rookie to go through the week without any preparation and then play in the game, no question about it," McCarthy said. "I'm not excited about it. We want 46 players that we feel give us the best chance to beat the Cincinnati Bengals.

"When the plan was put together on Monday and Tuesday, Eddie Lacy was part of that plan based on the information given by the medical staff. If that's not the case, it's always a medical decision first. You have secondary plans, and we've done that, but in the primary plan, Eddie was part of the thinking."

If Lacy isn't cleared, it's possible that the Packers would only have two healthy running backs. Even fullback John Kuhn is doubtful with a hamstring injury, leaving Green Bay with just James Starks and fourth-round pick Johnathan Franklin.

"I'm doing everything I can to get back out there," Kuhn said. "Sometimes there's a process involved, so I’m just going through the steps necessary to help the guys out."

There's a chance that the Packers could call up Michael Hill, an undrafted rookie running back out of Missouri Western who was signed to the practice squad Sept. 2.

Lacy and Kuhn aren't the only injury concerns for the Packers.

On defense, starting safety Morgan Burnett will miss his third consecutive game with a hamstring injury. Cornerbacks Casey Hayward and Jarrett Bush have also been ruled out with hamstring injuries.

"The first week we were kind of counting on having Morgan and then we didn't have him,"defensive coordinator Dom Capers said. "I think last week (against Washington) we were better prepared in terms of the repetitions with the guys we’re playing. This week, obviously you’re preparing as though you don’t have him (Burnett).

"Chris Banjo has gotten a lot more work, so you'll see all three of those safeties (including Jerron McMillian and M.D. Jennings) play."

With Green Bay getting its bye week already after the Bengals game, it's coming at a surprisingly good time.

"I kind of feel like the bye week coming early this year with all the guys with the hamstrings is kind of like a blessing," Kuhn said. "I think with the extra bye week we should be able to get some guys to return come the Detroit game (in Week 5)."

Green Bay listed tight end Jermichael Finley (toe), right guard T.J. Lang (back), cornerback Tramon Williams (groin) and defensive lineman Johnny Jolly (neck) as probable.


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