Packers Forced To Move on Without Benson

By Dan Koob

CREATED Oct. 10, 2012

  • Print

  • Green Bay Packers running back Cedric Benson (32) is tackled by Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Michael Johnson (93) and defensive tackle Geno Atkins (97) during the first half of an NFL preseason football game, Thursday, Aug. 23, 2012, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/John Grieshop) ORG XMIT: PBS107 Image by Associated Press

Cedric Benson's foot injury will officially sideline him for 8 weeks, the team announced today. He'll be allowed to practice after 6 weeks, but cannot return until December 9th against the Detroit Lions.

"He's a true pro," said Head Coach Mike McCarthy. "He's been excellent, spends a lot of time in the weight room and I can see him being one of those guys who comes back and plays the last four weeks of the season."

With Benson out other Packer backers have a chance to see some carries.
 
"Cedric's been great for us, he's been a leader, but with him on the shelf for a while it lets James Starks gets to hop back into the mix," said Aaron Rodgers. "Alex Green ran the ball when when he had opportunities, Brandon Saine has a lot of fans in this locker room [too]. Those three guys will get some chances and we expect them to play well."
 
"They're all physical runners, they're all fast. [They] know their reads and the offense," said Fullback John Kuhn. "Maybe just experience [is what's missing], I think they have some right now and look to get out there and put on a good show Sunday." 
 
A good showing would benefit a run offense ranked 20th in the NFL. In the current age of the league, the mentality of guys stepping up is nothing new. 
 
"This team is built for the next man up. [Head Coach Mike] McCarthy and [General Manager] Ted [Thompson] have done a great job drafting players and we have to pick each other up."
 
The Packers and Texans will play Sunday night on NBC26.