D.J. Smith was drafted in the sixth round of the 2011 NFL Draft out of Appalachian State University. At just 5’11″ 239 pounds, Smith was highly overlooked in the draft, which allowed the Packers to get great value in him late in the draft.

In 2011 Smith appeared in all 16 games and even started three times. He totaled 32 tackles and picked off Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford on Thanksgiving day.

In 2012 Smith tore his ACL in the sixth game of the season against the Houston Texans. He started all six games he played in, in 2012 — he totaled 29 tackles and deflected 4 passes.

Many considered Smith the replacement for inside linebacker A.J. Hawk, who has struggled the last few seasons for the Packers.

However, in 2012 Hawk played very well for the majority of the year, especially after Smith went down. The Packers obviously trust Hawk enough to release Smith.

Smith’s agent said that the Packers told them they needed to “create some space for things that are coming.” He also stated that the Packers may be interested in brining Smith back at a later date.

his agent said that “a number of teams have already expressed interest in Smith.”

A possible destination for Smith would be Packers’ in-division rival the Minnesota Vikings, much to chagrin of Packer fans. The Vikings are in desperate need of linebacker help and they obviously know Smith pretty well.

The Packers also released running back Brandon Saine.

With the releasing of both Saine and Smith the Packers save about $1 million in cap space for 2013.

The Green Bay Packers waived running back Brandon Saine today leaving the team with just three backs on their roster. Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

The Green Bay Packers announced this afternoon that they have waived running back Brandon Saine. Tyler Dunne of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported that Joe Flanagan, Saine’s agent, said his client had failed a physical with the team.

Saine, the 24-year-old running back was signed in July 2011 as an undrafted free agent out of Ohio State, going on to appear in six games for the Packers last season. As a rookie he gained 69 yards rushing and receiving and was often injured.

Waiving Saine leaves the Packers with just three running backs on the current roster: James Starks, Alex Green, and DuJuan Harris, though veteran Cedric Benson was to have paid a visit to the Packers today to determine his future with the team.

The cutting of Saine may also tip the Packers hand that they most likely will draft a running back in the NFL Draft that begins tomorrow night. While Alabama running back Eddie Lacy has been most often linked to the Packers draft, it’s unlikely Ted Thompson will expend a first round choice on a running back. The only running back he has drafted as high as the second round since taking over as GM of the Packers was Brandon Jackson.

Could Ryan Grant be looking for holes to run through with the Lions? Raymond T. Rivard photograph

With the news that Jahvid Best, the Detroit Lions’ best bet for starting back, will not be uniform for the start of the 2012 regular season – he’s been relegated to the physically unable to perform list – is there a former Packer in the team’s future?

Throw in the fact that behind Best for the Lions are perpetual underachiever Kevin Smith and bad boy Mikel Leshoure and one might think that Ryan Grant might be a possibility.

You might remember that Grant had a visit to Detroit embedded into his GPS in May, but that trip was cancelled for inexplicable reasons. At the time, many thought it was because they believed he was headed back to Green Bay.

That didn’t happen either.

Instead, the Packers decided to go with two backs returning from serious knee injuries – Alex Green and James Starks, as well as second-year man Brandon Saine and rookie undrafted free agent Marc Tyler.

That was all well and good until the wheels in Green Bay started falling off. Saine went down to injury, Green wasn’t quite 100 percent and Starks hasn’t been all the Packers want. In their first preseason game, Tyler looked pretty good, but his stock dropped when he fumbled on the Packers’ final possession as they were attempting to score as the clock was winding down.

Immediately, the thought turned to Grant – he’s the back who knows the system and would be the perfect fit.

But not for Ted Thompson. Instead he went out and got Cedric Benson for a song, clearly looking to move in an entirely new direct, left Grant without a team.

Enter the Lions who have as bad of a situation in their backfield as the Packers. A logical choice for Detroit would be Grant, but no move has been made in that direction.

Could it still happen? Sure. There’s plenty of time to get him into camp and acclimated to their system. Obviously, that wouldn’t be something Packers fans would like to see.

But I wouldn’t be surprised if it did.

With news breaking Friday night that the Green Bay Packers had brought running back Cedric Benson in and that signing him was “probable,” it sounds like probable is now turning to reality.

According to a post by Paul Imig on the FOXSportsWisconsin.com website today, his sources, which include Packers running back Alex Green, indicate that Benson could be in camp and ready for practice Monday morning.

“I was informed today that Cedric Benson will be coming in, so that’s a great thing for us,” Green told Imig Sunday afternoon. “It’ll help the team out. He’s a great running back. That’ll be a great thing for us to learn from and get a better feel for the running back position.”

You might remember that Benson was originally selected by the Chicago Bears and stayed in the Windy City for three years before falling into disfavor. In his three years there, Benson never reached 700 yards rushing in a single season.

However, when he landed in Cincinnati, his fortunes turned. He ran for 1,000 yards three straight years and helped the improving Bengals to a Playoff berth last year.

Benson can only be an upgrade to the Packers’ pathetic running game. Though both James Starks and Ryan Grant combined for more than 1,000 yards in rotation last year, the Packers continually relied on its passing game to carry the team. When the Packers decided not to re-sign Grant and go with Starks and second-year runners Alex Green and Brandon Saine, they  thought they had enough horses in the stable. However, Starks had a horrible outing last Thursday night at San Diego, Green still isn’t back completely from his injured knee and Saine has been out of action for the past week.

Ted Thompson had to do something and with the availability of Benson, I believe he made another good move.

Bringing in Benson takes some pressure off the rest of the running backs. Like the defense which was addressed in the offseason, the need to add another body in the backfield was a no-brainer. With Benson there may be some downside, but it’s definitely worth the risk.

I like what Imig said in his post:

If Benson is able to do a good job in pass protection for Packers MVP quarterback Aaron Rodgers and can help resurrect Green Bay’s struggling running game, this could turn out to be a significant signing for a team that hopes to win its second Super Bowl in three seasons.

October 9, 2011; Jacksonville FL, USA; Cincinnati Bengals running back Cedric Benson (32) is grabbed from behind by Jacksonville Jaguars defensive tackle C.J. Mosley (99) in the fourth quarter of the game at EverBank Field. The Bengals beat the Jaguars 30-20. Mandatory Credit: Phil Sears-US PRESSWIRE

Cedric Benson – Green Bay Packers. Could they become synonymous?

Well, the news as originally reported early Friday evening by Chris Mortenson of ESPN that Benson was in Green Bay and was poised to be signed by Ted Thompson.

Though as of late last night the deal hadn’t been sealed, it looked impending and was described as “probable.”

The Packers’ running game is in disarray. James Starks, the rookie phenom who helped lead the Packers to their most recent Super Bowl, hasn’t been the answer, Brandon Saine is watching from the sidelines with an injury, Alex Green is being eased back into playing shape after last year’s knee injury and Marc Tyler looked decent in Thursday’s preseason opener until he fumbled on the final play of the game.

Though still unsigned, the Packers don't seem interested in bring Ryan Grant back. Jeff Hanisch-US PRESSWIRE

The Packers could have brought back Ryan Grant, the Packers’ main man the past four years, but don’t seem willing to go in that direction. He remains unsigned.

Enter Benson, who at 29 is coming off three straight 1,000 yard seasons at Cincinnati and may be considered a retread by many. This is the age at which most running backs hit the wall and show decline. Apparently the Packers are willing to take that chance. Maybe Ted Thompson knows something we don’t about the bruising between-the-tackles back. Maybe he just thinks it’s time the team bulk up its running game  and take some pressure off the league’s MVP.

Whatever the reason, it will be interesting to see what Benson can bring to balance the Packers already-vaunted passing attack. The hope is that it can make it an even better offense – and judging from the initial look at the Packers running game Thursday night, it just might need that boost.

It will be fun to watch.

Aaron Rodgers will be key in the Packers attack against the Lions once again this season. Raymond T. Rivard photograph

In going through the Detroit Lions‘ schedule this year, Sidelion’s Zac Snyder and I exchanged questions and answers about the Packers.

Our Q&A session was recently published on the Fansided.com’s Lions site and is offered up here for your review.

Don’t hesitate to slide on over to Snyder’s excellent site for a plethora of valuable information about the much-improved Lions – or you can take the shortcut and read the Q&A below and then go to Sidelion to see what’s new after you’re done reading.

Detroit Lions 2012 Schedule Preview: Green Bay Packers

Nov 20, 2011; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers running back James Starks against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the first half at Lambeau Field. The Packers won 35-26. Mandatory Credit: Mary Langenfeld-US PRESSWIRE

Happy 4th of July everyone! What day could be better than to talk about the future of the Packers’ running game?

Last season featured the running back tandem of Ryan Grant and James Starks. Both players played effectively and were enough to keep opposing defenses at least on their feet.

Now with Grant being a free agent, how will the Packers’ running game look this year? Since no major moves were made to add another running back, most can assume it will have James Starks being the featured back and Alex Green, who is coming off injured reserve, to be his back-up. Playing time for these two backs may depend on training camp, though. Alex Green, last year, never really got to show what he was made of because of his injury so this could be his break-out season.

One player I would like to see more of is 2nd year veteran Brandon Saine out of Ohio State. He was undrafted last season and did not even play a snap for the Green Bay Packers until week 12. Although his touches were limited, he made the most out of his opportunities and may play a larger role then most may think for the Pack this coming season. Saine’s main attribute and where he will probably see the most playing time this year, will not be running the ball but catching it out of the backfield. In his limited touches last season, Saine caught 10 catches for 69 yards. It’s not staggering but it shows that he has the potential to become a threat as a receiver coming out of the backfield. Do not be surprised if he becomes a primary third down back for the Packers in 2012.

It’s hard to say how the backfield will exactly look with training camp still to come, but it’s never too early to start thinking about. Although the Packers are known for their prolific passing game, do not be surprised if the Pack can assemble a better running game then last year which could add just another dimension to the Packer offense.

Ryan Grant is most likely moving on to another team, but has yet to be signed. Raymond T. Rivard photograph

Ryan Grant, the former number one running back with the Green Bay Packers, has fallen off not only the Packers’ radar, but everyone else’s – or so it seems.

But in an interview recently with the National Football Post, Grant’s agent, Alan Herman, said. In fact, that Grant will be playing for a National Football League team before it’s said and done – but it most likely won’t be for the Packers.

The Packers’ leading rusher before his season-ending injury in 2010, Grant made a comeback last year and played side-by-side with fellow running back James Starks. In fact, running as a tandem for the team, Starks and Grant put up nearly identical numbers – Grant had 559 yards and two rushing touchdowns on 134 carries, while Starks had 578 and two touchdowns on one less rushing attempt before ending his year with a knee injury against Tampa Bay.

The Packers also lost last year’s rookie Alex Green midway through the year to a knee injury and ended the year playing Grant and rookie Brandon Saine.

Considered the best free agent running back available, Grant’s agent has said there have been some offers, but they haven’t been attractive enough for him. One of the teams interested is the Detroit Lions, but others mentioned have been the Miami Dolphins, New England Patriots, Denver Broncos, Indianapolis Colts and even his former team, the New York Giants.

Whomever takes a chance on Grant will get a 29-year-old running back who doesn’t have a lot of mileage on his legs. In my estimation, Grant has at least a couple more seasons in the tank. He can be a value to both the running game and the passing attack.

However, for the Packers, they must feel confident in moving ahead with Starks and Green, with Saine also in the mix – and because the role of the running back is becoming somewhat diminished in today’s pass-first offenses, re-signing a premier running back hasn’t become a priority for many teams.

But for Grant and his agent, they aren’t worried.

“He’s not upset. He’s not nervous,” Herman said. “We’re going to be patient and wait for the right opportunity.”

Dec 18, 2011; Kansas City, MO, USA; Green Bay Packers wide receiver Donald Driver (80) is congratulated by wide receiver Randall Cobb (18) after catching a touchdown pass against the Kansas City Chiefs in the second half at Arrowhead Stadium. Kansas City won the game 19-14. Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-US PRESSWIRE

A couple of weeks ago, we looked at the defensive position battles for the Packers.

Today, we take a look at the Packers’ offensive position battles.

Number 3 Receiver

After last season, Jordy Nelson earned the number two spot on the depth chart at receiver behind Greg Jennings. Now, Randall Cobb, James Jones, and Donald Driver will battle for the third spot on the depth chart at receiver. Cobb provides the biggest speed threat for the Packers in the slot as he could make great route cuts and blow by slower cornerbacks and safeties. Donald Driver is the reliable veteran who konws how to get the job done while James Jones has been the number three guy in the past but he is going to have to do a lot to avoid falling to fifth on the depth chart. Jones will probably be in the five spot as Driver and Cobb will be the final two battling out for the third spot on the receiver depth chart. Driver’s experience will allow him to beat out Cobb as Driver is still a well-rounded receiver.

Dec 11, 2011; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers running back Brandon Saine (33) rushes with the football as guard T.J. Lang (70) blocks during the first quarter at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-US PRESSWIRE

Backup Running Back

James Starks is now the full-time starter at running back for the Packers but Starks will need the occassional breather and there will be a battle to be his backup between Brandon Saine, Alex Green, and Marc Tyler.

Green is the longshot in this battle as a disappointing training camp could lead him to being released. Undrafted free agent running back Marc Tyler could be a steal as the former USC tailback has all the basics that any solid NFL running back needs. Saine is the favorite as he was third on the depth chart last year and he is a more polished player.

Saine and Tyler will have a great battle but the veteran Saine will win the spot. Tyler could surprise and impress in camp for the Packers. The one thing that could change this battle is if the Packers sign Cedric Benson as Saine and Tyler could be in a spot where they are battling to make the roster.

Nov 20, 2011; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers tight end Andrew Quarless (81) during the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Lambeau Field. The Packers defeated the Buccaneers 35-26. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-US PRESSWIRE

Second tight end

Jermichael Finley has the starting spot at tight end but behind him there could be a very long battle between Andrew Quarless and rookie D.J. Williams. This could be a surprising battle to most but I think it is realistic. Williams was a steal in the late rounds of the draft as I think he has the potential to be better than even Jermichael Finley when Finley’s contract runs out. Williams was a very effective tight end at Arkansas when they had a very good quarterback in Tyler Wilson. Williams’ game transfers well to the Packers but Andrew Quarless has done well for the Packers and will stay the tight end for the Packers. Williams’s presence could put Tom Crabtree in danger of being cut.

Ahman Green walks out of Lambeau Field for the final time after the Packers defeated the Seattle Seahawks in December 2009. Raymond T. Rivard photograph

Paul Imig posted an interesting article on his site at FSWisconsin - an interview with Packers all-time leading rusher Ahman Green who said he’s ready to play in the National Football League once again.

He made that statement, despite having carried the football last on Jan. 10, 2010, when he was playing for the Packers against the Arizona Cardinals in an NFC Playoff Game.

What’s interesting is that Green, who was with the Packers for the second time during that last stint, felt he was in as good of condition as any time during his career. Admitting that the Packers had Ryan Grant and some younger legs on the team, Green said he could have carried the load had the team given him the ball.

Not that he was complaining, he was happy to have landed back with the Packers.

Now he wants another shot and is waiting for the phone to ring. The four-time Pro Bowler is hoping there’s some team out there willing to call so he can have the opportunity to show what he can do.

Saying that he’s a “football player,” first and foremost, Green went so far to say that he would play anywhere – not just running back. In order to get a shot to be back on the football field, Green said he would even play special teams just to be part of a team.

“I’ve got at least five years left in me to play football,” Green told Imig today. With his home in Green Bay, the former Packer would be very interested if the Packers called. And given that the team is going to be relying on an unproven group of running backs, it’s not inconceivable the Packers may at least consider bringing Green in for a look-see.

With Ryan Grant unsigned and the tandem of James Starks and Alex Green coming into this season off serious knee injuries, the only healthy running backs on the roster are Brandon Saine and rookie free agents Duane Bennett of Minnesota, FB Nic Cooper of and Winston-Salem State and RB Marc Tyler of USC.

But given the Packers penchant for developing players, there probably isn’t room on a roster as deep overall for a 35-year-old former player.

Yes, the NFL is a business first … unfortunately for Green.

With all that said, we wish Green the best. He could probably be an excellent special teams player for some team and maybe even fill in at running back when needed.

But looking at things realistically, Green said, ”I can’t sit around and wait forever, so if it doesn’t happen, I’ve got to move on with my life.”

Class guy.

Here are a couple of videos for fun

Ryan Grant has been a tough inside runner and a very good receiver out of the backfield for the Packers the past five years. However, it looks like his days in Green Bay are numbered. Raymond T. Rivard photograph

Surely Packers brass aren’t going to come out and talk about it, but I feel there are more than a few reasons the team isn’t considering bringing running back Ryan Grant back to Green Bay.

However, for me, the tipping point was the fumble Grant gave up in the Divisional Playoff Game last January against the New York Giants. Though it wasn’t a game-changer and one of a bazillion turnovers the Packers gave up that day, I think the team leaders lost confidence in the running back who provided so much potential, but never really gave the team what they expected from a veteran. Throw in the fact that he will be demanding more than they want to pay him and the Packers will surely just let him walk.

Grant carried the ball 134 times last season for 559 yards (4.2 yard average) and two touchdowns last season. Not statistics one would point to as impressive for the team’s starting running back.

He has spent all five of his professional seasons with the Green Bay Packers and has overall been a valuable and productive player. The team acquired him in 2007 trade with the New York Giants and he was immediately thrust onto the field. He ran for 956 yards that season and then followed that with two straight 1,200 yard-plus seasons. In  2008, he ran for 1,203 yards and had another 1,200-plus season in 2009. An injury in the first game of the season at Philadelphia in 2010 not only hurt his career, but also put the team in a pickle until James Starks came alive late in the season to help lead the Packers to a Super Bowl.

Grant has run for 4,016 yards and a 4.3 yard average during his time in Green Bay and has also caught 92 passes for nearly 1,000 yards.

Needless to say, he’s been a valuable player … you could say he is a star. But his star power isn’t enough for the Packers to bring him back.

So, where does that leave the team? Well, not with much experience, that’s for sure. James Starks was a stud during the Packers’ Super Bowl run in 2010, but was injured again last year and hasn’t played an entire season yet. Alex Green, the team’s high draft choice last year is also coming off a knee injury and is yet to be seasoned. Brandon Saine showed some good hands and burst as a rookie last season and the team is most likely looking toward him to offer a third down alternative in 2012. Even fullback John Kuhn has been utilized as a running back in the past – he took over in the backfield in 2010 when Grant went down for the year with an injury and Brandon Jackson did nothing for the team.

Throw in these free agent signings: Duane Bennett from Minnesota, Marc Tyler from the University of Southern California, and Nicholas Cooper from Winston-Salem State, and one can see that the Packers have plenty of bodies, but very little experience.

Consider also that the Packers are a pass-first offense and one can see why Coach Mike McCarthy and GM Ted Thompson are satisfied with what they have in-house and are not concerned with letting Grant walk.

The main concern for Packers fans, of course, is that Grant is poised to sign with the Detroit Lions. Many say let them have him and his veteran salary. But in the backs of everyone’s minds is the notion that Grant would come back to haunt the team. McCarthy and Thompson don’t seem to be concerned about that.

Would the Packers look for another veteran to sign should Grant move on? I doubt it. With the team’s philosophy of drafting and developing, it’s highly unlikely … there are plenty of horses in the stable to develop. This could be a breakout year for Starks and if Green comes back healthy he could add the potential for a one-two punch the Packers would need. Throw in the pass catching skills that Saine showed out of the backfield last season and the team could be OK at the position.

However, it’s a big “if.” Everyone has to stay healthy for it to come together.

If they don’t, people will point to the neglect of Grant as a mistake. If they do, everyone will ask, “Ryan who …?”

Here are Ryan Grant’s career statistics with the Packers:

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Over at Arrowhead Addict, Patrick Allen posted the Q&A we conducted this weekend about today’s match-up between the unbeaten Green Bay Packers and the (we won’t mention their record) Kansas City Chiefs.

I was as brutally honest with my answers, which didn’t sit well with those who at least took the time to post comments.

In addition to reading this post below, you might want to go to the site and read the comments, too. I’ve been called an idiot before, so that really doesn’t bother me. What does bother me is that they really think the Chiefs are going to win today.

Call me an idiot, but I would be really stupid to put money on the Chiefs today … but like they say, ” On any given Sunday …”

Well, we all know it won’t be this Sunday.

Chiefs vs. Packers: Inside The Enemy Camp

The Kansas City Chiefs will try to do what no team has done in some time by beating the Green Bay Packers tomorrow afternoon.

In an effort to gather some intel on how to beat an unbeatable team, I sat down with Ray Rivard of Lombardi Ave, FanSided’s Green Bay Packers site.

Let’s go Inside The Enemy Camp with Lombardi Ave.

Do you ever get bored after watching blowout wins every week?

It’s not been boring watching the Green Bay Packers this season. Though they have dominated teams with their offensive prowess, you just never know what the defense is going to bring.

That’s what’s made this team entertaining to watch … At least for me. The defense has allowed teams to move up and down the field, but always seems to come up with the huge defensive stop when they need it … The interception, fumble recovery, the fourth down stop … This opportunistic group just seems to know when to turn it up a notch.

And blowout wins are never boring … Especially when the team is 13-0.

Check out the rest of the post after the jump and don’t forget to Like Lombardiave.com on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.

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He made it … but not the team full roster. He once again was signed to the practice squad today, along with seven others who were with the team in training camp. The group includes WR Tori Gurley and QB Graham Harrell, who many thought would make the regular roster.

GM Ted Thompson today made the announcement and it was made official by the Packers’ PR department.

The complete list of those signed to the practice squad are as follows:

WR Diondre Borel, T/G Ray Dominguez, C Sampson Genus, WR Tori Gurley, QB Graham Harrell, CB Brandian Ross, RB Brandon Saine and WR Chastin West.