Rookie running back James Starks was inactive for the second consecutive week after being active for the first two weeks since coming off the physically unable to perform list. Many thought Starks was poised to have a significant role in the run game after rushing for 73 yards on 18 carries in his debut against San Francisco.
He needs to compete to get on the (45-man active roster), McCarthy said. His situation has been exactly the same the last two weeks. James Starks and Dimitri Nance compete for that fifth spot as a running back and as a special-teams player, and Dimitri is just ahead of him right now.
He needs to do a better job throughout the week in preparation and in practice. Until he gets that done, he wont be on the 45.
Starks admitted last week that he needs to improve his practice habits to get back on the active roster.
When you are not a starter, if you dont play all three downs as a starter on offense or defense, you have special-teams responsibilities, McCarthy said. You cant give lip service to special teams. We have had so much change on special teams. We are trying to have some sense of continuity and consistency on our special teams, and we need for the younger players to play better and be more accountable and detailed when they get an opportunity.
He needs to do a better job in that area.