Running back James Starks was one of five injured players Packers coach Mike McCarthy ruled out of Thursday’s preseason finale against Kansas City, and his return doesn’t appear imminent. Starks sustained a turf toe injury in the preseason opener against San Diego on Aug. 9 and hasn’t practiced since, putting his status for the regular-season opener against San Francisco in doubt. “James Starks, just talking with the medical staff, is coming along slow,†McCarthy said after today’s final practice of camp. “We’ll continue to treat him. He hasn’t made a whole lot of progress here of late.†For a running back, a turf toe injury is debilitating. He opened camp as the Packers’ top running back. In his absence, recently signed Cedric Benson has taken over as perhaps the top halfback followed by Alex Green. Source: Green Bay Press-Gazette
