Alex Green: Predicting Packers RB's Workload Split with James Starks in Week 6

Fantasy football owners and Green Bay Packers fans were devastated in Week 5 as they learned major offseason acquisition Cedric Benson had gone down with a Lisfranc foot injury that would keep him out of action at least eight weeks, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

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Cedric Benson has a Lisfranc foot injury expected to sideline him eight weeks and could end his season if doctors determine he needs surgery

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 9, 2012"

While Alex Green took over the starting position to finish the game after Benson’s injury, the attention has shifted to who will start at running back in Week 6. As clear as it looked immediately after the game, James Starks is vying for a chance to win back the starting job.

The Packers depth chart reads Green as the starter, but Green Bay Press-Gazette insider Rob Demovsky is reporting Starks is No. 2 right behind him.

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Alex Green on the cover of the #Packers dope sheet this week and he's listed as the starting RB on the depth chart followed by Starks, Saine

— Rob Demovsky (@RobDemovsky) October 9, 2012"

With so much speculation about the carries and how many each back will get, the following will predict what to expect come Sunday night against the Houston Texans.

Alex Green’s Output

While Green has the experience from taking over the starting job in Week 5, he was running against an Indianapolis Colts’ team that was not prepared for his skill-set.

The Houston Texans and their ninth-ranked rush defense will be ready to welcome the young star to the elite level of the NFL.

Without Brian Cushing in the Texans’ lineup, the Packers should look for some extravagant blitz packages to cover up for the missing piece in the defensive puzzle. That extra pressure will have Green out of his element and off the field in key situations.

Starks will be the third-down back at least.

Final Word: 12 carries for 34 yards and no touchdowns

James Starks’ Output

Starks is coming off a turf-toe injury that has sidelined him for the first five weeks of the season, but the timing of his return couldn’t have been any better.

While Green deserves the start over Starks, fans can't forget he was a huge part of the team's run to the Super Bowl and will see the field on third downs.

As Starks works back into game shape, he will earn more playing time.

As good as Houston’s defense is, Starks will break out at least one long run for 20-plus yards and score a touchdown on the goal line. Look for Starks to become the No. 1 over time, but not starting in Week 6.

Final Word: 10 carries for 45 yards and one touchdown

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