Nobody had pads on yet, so this stung. The second day of practice, running back Alex Green took a helmet to the thigh. Green tried to play through it. No, he wasn't about to take himself out with a bruise.
Unfortunately for the rookie from Hawaii, that bruise worsened into a strain and he missed Green Bay's first preseason game in Cleveland. Now, Green says he's at full strength. Tuesday, he's expected to return to the field, and coaches can really see if he's the tailor-made third-down back their offense sorely needs.
When Brandon Jackson signed with the Cleveland Browns, the search began. Nearly every role is filled on the Packers' offense. Missing is a running back capable of picking up blitzes and burning defenses in open space on third down.
The competition is wide open and could blur into a committee approach. Coach Mike McCarthy reeled off several names after Monday's practice. There is no front-runner.
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