James Starks Injury: Latest on Packers RB's Concussion and Return

Green Bay Packers running back James Starks remains in the NFL's concussion protocol following his involvement in a car accident on Dec. 12. It is uncertain when he will return to action.

Continue for updates.

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Starks Out vs. Falcons

Saturday, Jan. 21

The Packers announced Starks will not play Sunday against the Atlanta Falcons. 

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Starks' Injury the Latest Blow to Packers' Running Game

The Wisconsin Department of Transportation determined no drugs or alcohol were involved for either party in the car accident, and the airbag did deploy, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reported on Dec. 22.

Establishing a consistent running game has been a huge challenge for the Packers in recent years, and that has once again been the case in 2016.

Eddie Lacy landed on injured reserve in October with an ankle injury four days after Starks underwent surgery to repair a torn meniscus in his knee. Starks returned in Week 10 and assumed a starting role; however, he has fallen back down the pecking order.

Starks has just 145 rushing yards and is averaging a minuscule 2.3 yards per carry, although he does have 134 yards and two touchdowns as a pass-catcher.

According to Bleacher Report's Ian Kenyon, Starks is in unexpected company with regard to his inefficiency:

Despite his struggles, McCarthy remains committed to using him when healthy, per Ryan Wood of the Green Bay Press-Gazette:

The 30-year-old veteran has been part of Green Bay's roster since the team selected him in the sixth round of the 2010 NFL draft out of the University at Buffalo.

Starks has largely been a backup over the course of his career, although he has taken on an increased role at times, most notably during the team's Super Bowl run as a rookie.

The seventh-year veteran isn't particularly dynamic, with a career yards-per-carry average of 4.1, but he is a reliable presence who knows the offense and can contribute as a runner, pass-catcher and pass-blocker.

In terms of replacing Starks and his production, the Packers will likely continue to lean on Ty Montgomery.

Green Bay has long relied on its dynamic passing game led by Aaron Rodgers, but a lack of balance was among the biggest reasons for its midseason struggles. However, if Montgomery and Michael can continue to produce, it will add dynamism to what has been a stagnant rushing attack.

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