Ryan Grant: Packers May Have Beaten Eagles, But They Lost Big

Ryan Grant is done for the season with ankle and leg injuries.  This is devastating for Green Bay. 

Three years ago when the Packers picked Ryan Grant up from the New York Giants very full backfield, the Packers were desperate for a solution at running back.  Ahman Green and Samkon Gado were jettisoned in favor of rookie Brandon Jackson and young Vernand Morency.  Unfortunately, both were terrible and their third back, DeShawn Wynn took the starting job, then got hurt.  Ryan Grant saved their season where they went 13-3.  He solidified the backfield until now.  His injury puts them in a worse position than 2007, because now only Brandon Jackson is there!  The Packers were only carrying two tailbacks.  They have three fullbacks, but none are reliable ball carriers (like Peyton Hillis turned out for the Broncos last season).

I fully expect that plenty of free agent running backs are being called up about joining the Packers.  Teams are entertaining trade offers for their #2 and #3 backs, plus their practice squad guys.  But who are the Packers best options?

Derrick Ward

Injuries ended his chances at a starting job in Tampa Bay.  Now, he's waiting on the free agent wire.  I'd say he's a good choice, because the Buccaneers let him go because of an expensive contract.

Willie Parker

The loser of the Shanahan backfield committee in Washington.  He lost to Larry Johnson and Clinton Portis.  Yuck.

Danny Woodhead

Cut by the Jets today, I think he may be the healthiest choice, but he is not an every down back.  He would be very helpful on third down though, as his hands are much better than Brandon Jackson's.  His 2010 preseason seems weak when you look at the stats (16 carries for 57 yards with a nice 14 yard TD run, plus 7 receptions for 56 yards), but he was positioned as a wide receiver for three of the games.  If you look at his 2009 preseason where he was primarily a running back, then you'd be more impressed, especially for a guy his size.  In the 2009 preseason, Woodhead ran for 226 yards of 45 carries with 2 TDs, one a 55 yarder, and caught 3 passes for 22 yards.

Dimitri Nance

They signed him today, but I don't see him as a long term solution.  He was signed from Atlanta Falcon's practice squad after a very weak preseason.  His preseason stats were 21-51 with 2 short yardage TDs and 1 fumble lost, plus 7 receptions for 44 yards.

Chris Henry

Currently on the Seattle Seahawks practice squad, he has experience, but has only played one snap in past three seasons.

Chauncey Washington

He has the build for an every down back.  His performance in the Jets fourth preseason game was admirable (12-56).  Unfortunately, he hardly saw action in the other games.  Signed to the Jets practice squad, he has hopped teams for the last two seasons.  I see him as the best option, but I doubt they make the move.

UPDATE: 

Trade rumors of Marshawn Lynch for AJ Hawk are becoming closer to reality as players from Green Bay have opened up to the media about the situation.

AJ Hawk has come out and said he is open to going to another team.  He'd prefer to be an every down linebacker.  In Buffalo, he'd be counted on a lot as Posluszny can't stay healthy.

Aaron Rodgers has admitted to he'd like to be united with his former college teammate, Lynch.

These statements do not make the trade more possible, but it does tell the owners that the players are interested in the moves, which deciding if the players will go for it is part of the decision making process.