Eddie Lacy has chance to regain lead RB role, Mike McCarthy says

GREEN BAY, Wis. -- Eddie Lacy is going to get the chance to get his starting job back after his demotion for missing curfew on the eve of the Green Bay Packers' game last Thursday against the Detroit Lions.

But with the emergence of rookie running back John Crockett, who was added to the roster only hours before last week's game, Lacy will have to earn it.

"Everything Eddie wants to accomplish is right there in front of him," Packers coach Mike McCarthy said Tuesday. "Everything is in front of him. If Eddie or any other player wants to jump up and grab that opportunity, it's right in front of them."

McCarthy, speaking for the first time since ESPN reported the reason for Lacy's reduced playing time, said he believes Lacy has gotten the message. McCarthy gave his players the long weekend off, but the Packers returned to work Tuesday.

"I think Eddie's been rejuvenated," McCarthy said. "His work was good today. I checked in on him just like I do with all the players, and I look for him to have a very good week of practice, and I look for him to be productive Sunday."

McCarthy would not get into specifics about Lacy's missed curfew and did not say whether it has been a consistent problem. The Packers on Thursday cut rookie running back Alonzo Harris, who also missed curfew along with Lacy last Wednesday.

"We're worried about what's in front of us," McCarthy said. "We talk a lot about what's behind us, way too much, and we're really focused on today and beating the Cowboys, and that's what I want everybody to think about, talk about, and that's what we're looking forward to."

McCarthy did not name a starting running back for Sunday's game against the Cowboys. James Starks took the first two series against the Lions before Lacy got into the game. Lacy carried only five times for 4 yards and did not touch the ball in the second half.

Crockett, who was promoted from the practice squad to replace Harris only hours before the game, started the second half and gained 22 yards on five carries.

"It's right in front of him," McCarthy said of Crockett. "He's doing a good job. He got a good opportunity up in Detroit and went the wrong way on a run and still had a helluva run. He brings a lot of excitement. I'm really happy for John, and the opportunity he's been given, but he's going to have to compete to get up on the active roster.

"What's nice about coming off the break is you now have a pretty healthy team. The competition for the 46 will be very competitive this week."

The Packers brought in former Denver Broncos running back Montee Ball for a workout Friday.

But instead of signing Ball, they added another running back, Ross Scheuerman, to their practice squad Tuesday, according to his agent. Ball also was practice-squad eligible.