Green Bay Packers: Predicting the final 53-man roster

Dec 3, 2015; Detroit, MI, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) and teammates walk to the field before the game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 3, 2015; Detroit, MI, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) and teammates walk to the field before the game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports /
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Aug 12, 2016; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers running back Eddie Lacy (27) rushes with the football during the first quarter against the Cleveland Browns at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 12, 2016; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers running back Eddie Lacy (27) rushes with the football during the first quarter against the Cleveland Browns at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports /

Running back (4)

Eddie Lacy

James Starks

John Crockett

Aaron Ripkowski

Make-or-break is the theme of Eddie Lacy’s season, the last remaining on his rookie contract. Earning a lucrative new deal in Green Bay requires a return-to-form for the fourth-year back. Lacy returned to training camp refocused, which might prove to be key for the Packers offense.

James Starks forms the backend of Green Bay’s 1-2 punch. Capable of piling up yards as a starter, the longtime Packer is a reliable option to hand the ball to. Keeping Lacy fresh for the home stretch of the season is of high importance, and Starks allows the Packers to do that. He must protect the ball better in 2016, however, after fumbling five times last term.

John Crockett’s niche may be as a change-of-pace back, a role he suits. Crockett’s twitchy style added an injection of energy into the Packers’ Hail Mary game at Detroit, and he can produce in cameo roles.

John Kuhn’s time is up in Green Bay, opening the doors of the Aaron Ripkowski era. Ripkowski has big shoes to fill at the fullback spot.

Next: Wide receiver