Green Bay James Starks has had some ups and downs since being activated from the physically unable to perform list Nov. 9, and the rookie recently admitted he needed to improve his practice habits.
But running backs coach Edgar Bennett stressed Thursday that there was nothing wrong with Starks' work ethic.
Bennett said Starks was a hard worker who was still learning how to practice in the detail-oriented NFL.
"He has a tremendous work ethic," Bennett said. "The kid comes in early and leaves late. It's not a question of work ethic, so let's nip that in the bud. It's just more the detail of it. It's a process, just like anything else."
Starks rushed for 73 yards in his NFL debut against San Francisco on Dec. 5, gained just 8 yards in six carries against Detroit the next week and then was inactive against New England (Dec. 19) and the New York Giants (Dec. 26).
He got back on the field last week and performed well in spot duty against Chicago, gaining 20 yards in five carries and catching two passes for 15 yards.
It wouldn't be a shock if he saw even more playing time against the Philadelphia Eagles in an NFC wild-card playoff game Sunday.
"Keep in mind this is a young kid who is still continuing to grow and continuing to develop," Bennett said. "Each and every one of our backs, they have a role and when their number is called they'll jump in and respond."
Does Starks have what it takes to be an every-down back someday?
"He certainly has all the capabilities of being that guy," Bennett said. "He's talented."
Looking good: Defensive end Cullen Jenkins, inactive the last four games with a calf injury, practiced for a second straight day and appeared to move well in all the drills.
Barring a setback, it appears he'll play Sunday.
"Cullen Jenkins is making progress," coach Mike McCarthy said. "He practiced today a little more than he did yesterday. Went through some of the team drills. . . . We're going to take the full week of preparation and have a decision at the end of the week. He's getting better."
Running out of time: On the other hand, fullback Korey Hall (knee) did not practice.
"His chances are decreasing to be ready for the game," McCarthy said.
Linebacker Frank Zombo (knee) and safety Atari Bigby (groin) also did not practice and likely won't play.
Rookie tackle Marshall Newhouse, who was put on injured reserve last week with a back injury, said he was told that rest probably would relieve the pain. He said surgery was not one of the options.
"There's nothing to think there will be a problem in the future," Newhouse said. "I just have to make sure I take my time and do it the right way. I'll be back in action as soon as possible."
In Philadelphia, three players missed practice with injuries: guards Todd Herremans (calf) and Max Jean-Gilles (ankle) and linebacker Stewart Bradley (elbow).
Masthay ties record: Punter Tim Masthay said he tied the Packers' record for net punting average in a season (since the NFL officially started tracking the statistic in 1976).
He finished the regular season with a 37.6 net average on 71 punts (43.9 gross).
"We're excited about that," Masthay said. "That's kind of a tribute to all the guys on the punt team and Shawn (Slocum, the special teams coordinator)."
Over the last three games, all outside and in temperatures of 32 degrees or colder, Masthay's net averages were 38.5, 39.0 and 36.6.
K-u-u-u-h-n: Seems the "K-u-u-u-h-n" chant started by fans at Lambeau Field is infectious. Now, running back John Kuhn is hearing it in team meetings.
"He gets it quite a bit," receiver Greg Jennings said. "He's probably tired of hearing it in the meetings. We just do the chant. We've become fans like everybody else: 'K-u-u-u-h-n.' John is a great player to watch. He doesn't disappoint, that's for sure."
Vick the slick: Eagles' quarterback Michael Vick has such a unique skill set as a passer-runner that cornerback Tramon Williams said the Packers couldn't really simulate him in practice.
Asked who on the team could most closely impersonate Vick, Williams thought for several seconds, laughed and said, "Oh, man, nobody. You just have to go with your scheme and hope it works on game day."
OT rules: The new playoff overtime rules say that if the team that wins the coin flip does not score a touchdown, the other team must possess or "have an opportunity to possess" the ball.
An opportunity to possess only occurs on kicking plays. Here are some of the scenarios that would involve an opportunity to possess:
If the team that kicks a field goal on its opening possession recovers the ball on the ensuing kickoff, the game is over (the other team had an opportunity to possess).
If the team that kicks off first recovers an onsides kick, sudden death goes into effect.
If the first team punts and the other team muffs it, sudden death goes into effect.
If the first team misses a field goal and the other team muffs it, sudden death goes into effect.