Why is Packers running back Eddie Lacy playing so badly? Some people say his ankle is bothering him. Others say he’s overweight. Lacy says neither of those is the case.
Shortly after coach Mike McCarthy announced that James Starks has been promoted above Lacy on the depth chart, Lacy told reporters in Green Bay that he’s not sure why he’s struggling, but his ankle is fine and he’s not too heavy.
“I honestly don’t know what it is,” Lacy said, via Michael Cohen of the Journal Sentinel. “Definitely, I’m off to a different start. I’m not playing how I was the previous two years. Later on in the season, maybe it’ll pick back up. But as of right now, this is just the move that is going to be. This season [Starks] has definitely been the better player between the both of us. That’s just the move.”
Lacy has yet to record a 100-yard game this year, and in the last four games he has a grand total of 33 carries for just 78 yards, with three fumbles. He’s not complaining about the decision to demote him because he knows it’s the right move for the team.
“Who knows how long it’s going to be like this,” Lacy said. “Maybe things pick back up for me and it’s right back and we’re never having this discussion again. You don’t know where this could lead to. But as of right now, for the team, this is pretty much the best move.”
The Packers have to be pleased that Lacy is handling his demotion with class. Even if they would have preferred that he play well enough that he wouldn’t have to be demoted at all.