James Starks Placed In Packers’ Concussion Protocol After Car Crash

The Green Bay Packers’ unfortunate luck with running backs in 2016 continued this week.

James Starks is in the team’s concussion protocol after he was involved in a car crash Monday, Packers head coach Mike McCarthy announced Thursday. McCarthy said Starks otherwise is OK but didn’t provide further details of what happened.

The veteran running back, who didn’t practice Wednesday due to a concussion, has had a tough year, rushing for just 145 yards on 63 attempts while missing four games due to injury. Converted wide receiver Ty Montgomery and free agent pickup Christine Michael have handled most of Green Bay’s meager rushing attack in recent weeks, combining for 19 carries in last Sunday’s win over the Seattle Seahawks.

Starks’ absence likely won’t change much for the Packers, who have all but abandoned their running game after Eddie Lacy was placed on injured reserve in October. Green Bay has won three games in a row despite not having anyone rush for over 50 yards in any of those contests.

The 7-6 Packers visit the NFC North rival Chicago Bears on Sunday.