Should the Green Bay Packers add a veteran running back?

The Green Bay Packers lit up the scoreboard last season, leading the NFL with 560 total points scored. Many of those points came through the air, with QB Aaron Rodgers tossing 45 touchdowns last season. Looking at the Packers 2012 offense, one thing does stand out, the lack of depth at the running back position. The team will start the season with James Starks as the team’s starting tailback, but can he be counted on for the full season?

The Packers are the epitome of a pass-first offense, racking up over 5,000 yards through the air last season. Starks was the Packers leading rusher last season, gaining just 578 yards on the ground and only appearing in 13 games last season. Starks only scored one touchdown on the ground for Green Bay last season. In fact, rushing touchdowns were scare for the Packers last season, with only three running backs crossing the goal line for seven scores.

Behind Starks, the Packers have third-year back, Alex Green. Green was a productive back out of Hawaii, but he is coming off ACL surgery and hopes to be ready at the start of training camp. Brandon Saine is also on the roster, but he has only seen limited action for the Packers, carrying 18 times last season for 69 yards.

The Packers also have two undrafted free agent running backs on the roster, Marc Tyler and Du’ane Bennett. Both of these backs come with questions and Green Bay shouldn’t be counting on either to become significant contributors in 2012, especially Starks suffers an injury.

There are a few veteran free agents remaining on the market and it might be wise for the Packers to add one prior to the start of the regular season.