Packers workout RBs Ahman Green and Dominic Rhodes
By Greg A. Bedard of the Journal Sentinel
Green Bay - The Packers worked out two veteran running backs today, including former Packers standout Ahman Green, according to an NFL source.
Former Indianapolis Colts and Oakland Raiders back Dominic Rhodes was the other.
Both players left without contracts.
Green, the four-time Pro Bowler with the Packers from 2000-06, was released by the Houston Texans in February after two injury-plagued seasons.
After signing a four-year, $23 million deal with the Texans, Green rushed for only 294 yards and three touchdowns in '07 and 260 yards and two touchdowns in '08. Knee injuries were a constant concern.
Green, 32, is currently the Packers' all-time leader in career yards from scrimmage (10,870) and 100-yard rushing games (33), and second in rushing yards (trailed Jim Taylor's club record by 45) and rushing touchdowns (53). Green also holds the club record for most rushing yards in a game (218 on 20 attempts against Denver on Dec. 28, 2003).
Rhodes, 30, set the league record for an undrafted rookie by rushing for 1,104 yards in his first year with the Colts in 2001 after starter Edgerrin James went down with a knee injury. He served as James' primary backup the next four seasons before splitting the starting job with Joseph Addai in '06 after James signed with the Arizona Cardinals.
In 2007, Rhodes signed a two-year, $7.5 million contract with the Oakland Raiders and he was promptly suspended four game for violating the league's substance abuse policy. He finished with Rhodes finished with 302 yards on 75 carries and a touchdown, and then was released after the Raiders drafted Darren McFadden in '08.
Rhodes then re-signed with the Colts and gained 538 yards in 15 games.
Rhodes signed a two-year contract with the Bills in '09 but was released at the 53-man countdown after gaining 64 yards on 19 carries (3.4 average) in five exhibition games.
Analysis
Obviously the Packers don't feel great about their backup running back situation, because that's the type of role either Green or Rhodes could fill.
Brandon Jackson played for the first time this season on Sunday against the Detroit Lions after struggling with a high ankle sprain. He rushed twice for 6 yards and caught one pass for 12 yards.
DeShawn Wynn is the other running back on the roster and he hasn't practiced since exiting the Vikings game with a wrist sprain. He first appeared on the injury report last Wednesday when he was ruled out of the Lions game with a knee injury. It was believed to be a re-aggravation of an injury that caused him to miss three training camp practices. Wynn's status is supposed to be determined on Wednesday, a source said.
The Packers do have Kregg Lumpkin on the practice squad.
Considering the Bills actually thought Rhodes was worthy of signing, Rhodes would seem the more realistic option. He's made his living as a third-down back. But he's also had other tryouts around the league and hasn't been signed yet.
Since both Green and Rhodes left without contracts, the Packers were most likely surveying all their options if Jackson were to hurt his ankle again.
The Packers could just be doing Green a favor. He still has a home in the area and has been here on and off since being cut by Houston. By working Green out, it could lead to other opportunities for him since other teams will see his name on the NFL wire.