Eddie Lacy practicing, James Starks is not

Green Bay Packers running back Eddie Lacy (27) is tackled by Seattle Seahawks defensive end Benson Mayowa (95) during the second quarter at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

Green Bay Packers RB Eddie Lacy is the Packers RB you want for fantasy purposes over Johnathan Franklin and James Starks, and Lacy is back at practice while James Starks is still out. The Green Bay Press-Gazette’s Mike Vandermause has the scoop on both injuries, and Eddie Lacy is still the No. 1 back in Green Bay. His recovery from a concussion he suffered in Week 2 has gone as planned, and this is the second straight day that the Alabama product has been practicing. The Packers wisely gave him Week 3 off, and the bye week has certainly treated him well.

Fellow rookie Johnathan Franklin had a huge game in the losing effort to the Cincinnati Bengals, and that has had people wondering if there could be a running back shakeup in Green Bay. Starks, who has trouble staying healthy, also had a big game in relief for Lacy, so he could be in the mix as well. He went down with a knee injury in Week 3, which led to Franklin starring in relief. At this point, Starks hasn’t practiced for two straight days, and he is highly unlikely to be active against the Detroit Lions and is also without a timetable.

Franklin is going to get a bigger role in the offense, because he has sufficient talent and is clearly the better pass-catching back than Lacy. He’ll get the change-of-pace touches, so expect to see Franklin, who drew comparisons to Frank Gore from some, get a lot of third-down work against the Lions. Eddie Lacy is still the bellcow back and top fantasy RB for the Packers, but that could change if he doesn’t improve on his 3.4 yards per carry average.

Update: James Starks has been ruled out.

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