James Starks primary ball carrier for Packers now

Look for James Starks to carry the load for the Green Bay Packers, at least until Cedric Benson can return from a sprained foot.

Starks is expected to be the primary ball carrier for the Packers on Sunday at Detroit and could hold the role for at least a few weeks, according to Pete Dougherty of the Green Bay Press-Gazette.

Starks outperformed Alex Green when the Packers last played against the Arizona Cardinals before the bye week, and he’s now in position to get the bulk of the work. Green had been the top back after Benson’s injury that will sideline him until at least Dec. 9.

“I think (Starks) has earned it,” Packers running backs coach Alex Van Pelt said, according to the report. “I think he was productive when he was in there the last couple of games with limited touches, and he has the most experience of the backs we have right now. I think he’s earned the right to get in there and get some more touches.”

Starks suffered a bad turf-toe injury in preseason and is just now getting back to 100 percent.

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Brad Biggs covers the Bears for the Chicago Tribune