James Starks Injury: Updates on Packers RB's Week 12 Status and Fantasy Value

He doesn't get to carry the ball all that much, but second-year running back James Starks is having a fine season for the Green Bay Packers this year. Their offense wouldn't be the same without him.

Unfortunately for the Packers, life without Starks is at least a possibility at the moment. He went down with an injured knee on Sunday against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and his status for Thursday's game at the Detroit Lions is up in the air.

For all the latest news and fantasy analysis concerning Starks' injured knee, check back here periodically for updates.

Update: Thursday, No. 24 at 11:42 p.m. ET by Kyle Vassalo

Good news for Packers fans. The Packers' official Twitter page Tweeted that Starks is active for today's Thanksgiving showdown with the Detroit Lions.

Starks' status was up in the air and given the short week, it was unclear whether or not he would be able to suit up today. This will be the biggest hurdle the Packers have to get over to go 16-0.

Starks' fantasy owners should still proceed with caution, as Starks being active doesn't mean the Packers are going to feed him 25 carries. He's a viable option, but proceed with caution.

Update: Wednesday, Nov. 23 at 2:05 p.m. ET by Zachary D. Rymer

According to ESPN.com's Kevin Seifert, Starks was able to participate in practice for a second consecutive day on Wednesday. Good news, right?

Kinda. Seifert says the Packers are going to list Starks as questionable for Thursday's game against the Lions, and that they won't make a final decision until Thursday morning.

Seeing as how the game is scheduled to start at 12:30 p.m., Starks is pretty much a game-time decision, just as many anticipated he would be.

If you're a Starks fantasy owner, hopefully by now you've prepared for the eventuality of tackling Week 12 without him. If you're holding out hope, make sure you stay glued to your computer on Thursday morning for updates.

But I wouldn't get your hopes up. I'm feeling some negative vibes here.

Update: Tuesday, Nov. 22 at 2:03 p.m. ET by Kyle Vassalo

Starks returned to practice, according to Tom Silverstein of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. This is great news, as the Packers need to be at full strength for the their divisional matchup with the Lions on Thanksgiving.

Update: Monday, Nov. 21 at 5:10 p.m. ET by Zachary D. Rymer

Good news, Packers fans. The word from the team's official website is that Starks does not have a serious knee injury. In fact, head coach Mike McCarthy thinks he could return to practice as soon as Tuesday.

“We’ll see what he can do tomorrow at practice,” McCarthy said on Monday. “It feels like a normal day after a game. He tested out well and he has a chance to possibly do something on the field. That’s our plan with him.”

Of Starks' injury, McCarthy also added, “It’s better than what it looked."

While this is obviously very good news, Starks' fantasy owners shouldn't plug him into their starting lineups just yet. The Packers have just a couple of days to get ready for the Lions, and it's by no means a given that Starks will be able to play.

Remember, practicing is not the same as playing. If Starks responds well and shows no ill effects, he'll probably play on Thursday. If not, well, the Packers may be better off sitting him.

My hunch is that Starks is going to be a game-time decision. Monitor his status over the next couple of days, and pick up a running back in case you need to bench Starks.