According to multiple sources, Cedric Benson has really impressed the Packers since they signed him a couple weeks ago. These sources include the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel, several scouts, the Packers’ official website, and even running backs coach Alex Van Pelt. Benson seems to have fully taken James Starks’ old job and will get the bulk of the running down carries, with Alex Green serving only as a passing down back and change of pace back.
James Starks, meanwhile, is on the roster bubble as he is currently suffering from turf toe and out indefinitely. The Packers may keep Brandon Saine, a less injury prone, albeit less talented back, as their 3rd back, assuming they decide to only keep 3 running backs. That’s a strong possibility because fullback John Kuhn can also play some running back on passing downs and short yardage plays.
As for Benson, he walks into a great situation. Because of how good the Packers’ passing game and offensive line is, Benson really just has to run through holes. Heading into his age 30 season, he not very explosive, but in the Packers’ system he could still be very productive. He’s also surprisingly durable considering how injury prone he was in his younger days. Benson has missed just 4 games over the past 3 years, despite one of the league’s highest usage rates over that time period, averaging 21.7 touches per game.
He’ll have a smaller role in Green Bay on a less run heavy offense with other backs behind him, but he should still have a solid season. In a weak year for running backs, Benson is a solid flex with RB2 potential depending on the matchup in standard leagues. He’s currently going in the 5th round on average, up from the 7th round on average just a week ago, but that might not be too high for him.
If you’re interested in doing a fantasy football league with me, here’s the link (no draft date set yet, currently standard, with the option to become PPR with group vote). http://msn.foxsports.com/fantasy/football/commissioner/Registration/Private.aspx?league=55086&password=FanSpot2
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