Grant hoping for more playing time
[img_r]http://graphics.jsonline.com/graphics/packer/img/news/sep08/sryan25.jpg[/img_r]Green Bay - The way the Green Bay Packers have protected running back Ryan Grant might wind up being the smartest thing they do all season.
But it definitely hasnt made things easy for Grant in the short term.
At some point, possibly Sunday against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Grant will get the green light and be told he can stop managing a lingering hamstring injury and play with the kind of abandon that made him one of the most explosive runners in the National Football League last year.
Maybe on Sunday hell actually start playing enough snaps so teams wont know when he enters the game that hes going to get the ball.
Or maybe not.
Its a good sign that hes practicing well, said offensive coordinator Joe Philbin, whose unit ranks 15th in rushing. Well see how he responds when the game rolls around. Hes had a good week of preparation so far.
This is the first week Grant has been off the injury report since the season started and the first time he has practiced in full two days in a row since injuring the hamstring three days after signing a new contract Aug. 2. Still, no one is saying that hell be used Sunday the way he was used last year when he was allowed to stay on the field as long as his body could last.
In 2008, he only averaged 18 carries in the final 11 games of the season (including playoffs), but the percentage of plays he was on the field was a lot greater, posing a constant threat to the defense. Through three games this year, Grant hasnt presented the same threat because his hamstring has affected his speed and his number of snaps has been reduced.
Though he leads the team with 166 yards rushing on 40 carries, he has been on the field for slightly fewer than 70 plays from scrimmage, meaning when hes in the game theres a better than 50-50 chance hes getting the ball. That takes some of the deception out of the Packers offense.
It is the situation right now, Grant said, acknowledging the hurdle he faces. I hope it changes. But I just have to do what I have to do. Im doing more, feeling good, I made it through practice so far, feeling the best I have. So Im looking (for them) to move me forward.
As the head of the running back household, assistant coach Edgar Bennett monitors the number of snaps Grant gets in practice and games. In concert with head coach Mike McCarthy and the medical staff, Bennett draws up a plan each week for Grant to follow with the long-term health of his hamstring the priority.
Over the first three weeks, Grant has been on the field for roughly 80 plays, a dozen of which were penalties and dont count in the official totals. Thats about 25 plays per game or slightly less than 40% of the time the offense is on the field.
In the macho football world, some might say the Packers are babying Grant a little bit.
I wouldnt use that term, Bennett said, repeating himself two more times. Obviously were just being smart and doing whats best for the organization as well as him because certainly having him healthy and running on all cylinders benefits everyone. I think hes almost about to turn the corner, but Im going to keep an eye out so we can make the most of our opportunities.
In addition to limiting his snaps, Bennett and the medical staff have urged him not to open up on any of his runs in other words dont shift into the highest gear. Grant has been conscious of managing his hamstring, as his superiors like to call it, and has gradually been building up to top speed.
Grant smiled when asked if he felt he was being babied and said he understood what was at stake if he re-injured the hamstring.
I dont think its necessarily that, he said. They are trying to manage my carries. I didnt plan on it, but thats how it is. I know everybody doesnt want it to get worse and be a major problem, so we are trying to be smart about it.
It is significant that Grant has made it through two straight days of practice and appears not to have had any setbacks. He has spent the past two weeks resting on Wednesday and Thursday and then taking part in a non-padded practice on Friday.
Bennett thought he saw a little bit more of a burst in Grants step in the Dallas game he carried 13 times for 54 yards and hes encouraged about his progress heading into the game against the Buccaneers.
Grant, who has had only one rush of 20 or more yards this season, is getting a little tired of not being able to turn himself loose.
Initially when I would practice, it was really kind of frustrating, the coaches would tell me - even today they tell me to manage it. They dont want me opening it up too much. I feel like Im not really opening it up on some of my runs, but Im able to move a little more and react a little faster.
Before it felt like it was all at the same speed. Its feeling more natural.