Nothing has been been guaranteed, but it appears the Green Bay Packers may have running back James Starks and tight end Jared Cook available this week.
Starks last played in week 5. He had knee surgery the following week and just returned to limited practice last week. Cook has been out six weeks with a high ankle sprain. He too practiced on a limited basis last week.
Both players are expected to be full participants in practice this week, although Thursday’s padded practice will be the real test for both players.
Cook could help boost a tight end group that has been pretty nonexistent all season. Starks’ return likely won’t make much difference either way.
Coach Mike McCarthy has pretty much refused to run the football all season. Plus, Starks will now fall second in the pecking order to Ty Montgomery, who has taken over as the team’s No. 1 running back.