Green Bay Packers tailback Ryan Grant(notes) was an undrafted free agent whom Ted Thompson traded for before the 2007-2008 season started. He isn't the flashiest halfback and has always played behind the spotlight of Brett Favre(notes), Aaron Rodgers(notes), and a spread offense loaded with receiving talents. Football fans often view him as a one-year wonder who only thrived during his rookie campaign in 2007.

Packer enthusiasts understand the importance of a healthy Grant after witnessing Brandon Jackson's(notes) "East to West" running style in 2010. Grant has been one of the NFC's top running backs since taking over as the starter midway through the 2007-2008 season. He had two consecutive 1200-yard seasons from 2008-2009 and played well against the Philadelphia Eagles before being sidelined with injury.

Will Grant maintain his starting job after James Starks(notes) emergence? Grant will turn 29-years-old this season, approaching that 30-year-old mark where you fret about future production from running backs. Rodgers's playoff success can be accredited to the late-season addition of Starks. Starks rushed for 123 yards on 23 carries against the Eagles and was effective in all four postseason contests.

Grant has clarified that coaches have informed him that he's entering camp as the starter. That doesn't mean that competition won't evolve between Grant and Starks. Grant wasn't dismissive of accepting a reduced role as he claimed:

"If it was in the best interest of the team, I'm all for it."

The Packers backfield situation is much better than last season when Grant was their only legitimate back and they were relying on John Kuhn(notes) and Jackson as all-around tailbacks. The Packers backfield will probably consist of Grant, Starks, a short-yardage specialist in John Kuhn, and rookie Alexander Green. Dimitri Nance(notes) could also play a significant factor with a year's experience in the system while I could see trick plays being run for Randall Cobb(notes).

I'm confident that Grant and Starks can both handle starting roles. They'll be even more effective as they'll likely stay fresh by sharing carries throughout the game. The Packers are known for their high-powered offense under Mike McCarthy but that offense has always been at its best when opponents must account for a 100-yard potential ground game.

I'm more concerned with who will replace Jackson as the third-down specialist. While an ineffective runner, Jackson was cherished for his receiving and blocking talents that are valued on third down. He's a role player who serves a special purpose and his loss could sting more than you'd want to believe.

Green probably isn't going to have much impact during the first-half of 2011 as the Packers offensive system has proven complicated for running backs to learn. It's a big reason as to why Grant, Starks, and Nance weren't immediate contributors. I'd guess that Starks and Kuhn will share third-down responsibilities while Green learns the system. How well Starks can develop in pass protection?

I'm confident in the coaching staff.

Yahoo Sports wrote: