Bengals vs. Packers: Lacy could be cleared but Starks likely to start

Eddie Lacy, the fourth running back selected in the 2013 NFL draft, has had an inauspicious start with a 3.4 yard/rush average. But seriously, he's two games into his young NFL career; so inauspicious tends to define most rookies in the NFL (save for our unhealthy obsession for rookie quarterbacks, but that's just a culture thing that won't change anytime soon). During Lacy's most recent game against the Washington Redskins, the rookie running back suffered a first quarter concussion and departed the game after a ten-yard run.

Jason Hircshhorn with SB Nation's Green Bay Packers site, Acme Packing Company, writes that Lacy could be cleared as soon as Thursday.

According to McCarthy, Lacy is progressing well and is attending meetings. The team has not ruled him out for week 3, and if his tests go well tomorrow he'll be fully cleared to play. Given that the Packers have the reputation for being overly-cautious with player injuries, this is a strong sign that Lacy is indeed recovering well from Brandon Meriweather's dirty hit last Sunday.

Backup running back James Starks stepped in for Lacy and generated 132 yards rushing on 20 carries -- the first 100-yard rushing performance in 45 regular season games for the Green Bay Packers. Starks could start, even if Lacy is cleared.

"James Starks is definitely someone I look at as a starter and the ability to run as many times in a football game as needed," coach Mike McCarthy said via Milwaukee's Journal Sentinel. "James will get the starting opportunity this week."