Packers declared RB Ryan Grant, FS Nick Collins, LB Jamari Lattimore, LB Frank Zombo, LB Brad Jones, RT Bryan Bulaga and DE Mike Neal inactive for Week 4 against the Broncos. As previously reported, James Starks will get the start in Grant's place. With the Packers likely to get out to a big early lead against a Broncos team that will be missing Champ Bailey this afternoon, Starks could be in for one of the biggest workloads of his young career. He's a strong RB2 in all formats this week. Marshall Newhouse will fill in for Bryan Bulaga (knee) at right tackle.

The Packers have formally ruled out Ryan Grant for Week 4 due to a bruised kidney. Grant just couldn't get medically cleared, so James Starks will start against the Broncos. While Denver's defense has stifled the run in its last two games, it's also been selling out to do so facing Andy Dalton/Cedric Benson and Matt Hasselbeck/Chris Johnson. The Broncos won't have that luxury against Aaron Rodgers. Consider Starks a strong RB2 play. This could be the opportunity he needs to leap ahead of Grant in the backfield pecking order for good.

Ryan Grant (bruised kidney) was held out of practice again on Friday.

The Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel reiterates that Ryan Grant (bruised kidney) is "likely out" for Week 4 against Denver. The paper also confirms James Starks is "likely to see an increased workload," despite an 11-carry, 5-yard Week 3, with a lost fumble. Grant appeared on the verge of taking the lead in Green Bay's backfield committee, but he has not been cleared to practice. Starks now gets a big opportunity to leap ahead.

Ryan Grant (bruised kidney) missed practice again on Thursday. There are mixed signals coming out of Green Bay regarding Grant's chances of playing in Week 4. He's been nonchalant about the injury while coach Mike McCarthy has suggested that a week of rest will likely be in order. A motivated James Starks would take on RB2 value against the Broncos if Grant is held out.

Packers coach Mike McCarthy told reporters Wednesday that he does not expect Ryan Grant (bruised kidney) to play in Week 4. McCarthy said he'll give Grant a "chance" to practice Friday, but for now both the coaching and medical staffs believe he'll be "pressed" to face Denver. McCarthy also noted that there is an NFL protocol for injuries like Grant's, suggesting he'll have to pass medical tests just to practice, let alone play. James Starks may be staring at a breakout game against the Broncos.

The Packers held Ryan Grant (bruised kidney) out of Wednesday's practice. Grant was in attendance to soak in the game plan, however, and the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel is tentatively expecting him to play against the Broncos. Grant's recovery is worth tracking all week. He'd be a workable flex option in this matchup, but James Starks would be a feature back if Grant missed the game.

Coach Mike McCarthy strongly suggested Tuesday that Ryan Grant will have a bigger role going forward after a 92-yard breakout game in Week 3. "Ryan Grant is an attempt runner," McCarthy said. "That's what he is. He's a bull. You've got to give him the ball, he gets better as the game moves forward. He's an excellent north and south runner. I don't think the defensive players probably enjoy tackling him a lot." OC Joe Philbin conceded that Grant had "cleaner" holes than James Starks, but the Packers staff believes the veteran is finally showing pre-injury form. If his kidney bruise checks out this week, expect Grant to be the lead back against the Broncos. It's a "hot hand" approach from there.

Updating a previous item, Ryan Grant downplayed his bruised kidney injury on Tuesday. "I feel fine," Grant told WSSP radio in Milwaukee. "I have been walking around. I finished the game and everything. We really don't know any details right now. ... It wasn't really anything major to it - just precautionary I guess. We'll get some more information from the doctors on some tests later on this week."

Bob McGinn of the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel suggests Ryan Grant's (kidney) playing status could be in doubt this week. "Bruised kidneys are nothing to take lightly," tweets McGinn. If Grant doesn't suit up against the Broncos, James Starks is expected to be used "in tandem" with rookie Alex Green. Starks would get the majority of the touches in that scenario.