Packers.com considers rookies Johnathan Franklin and Eddie Lacy the only Packers running backs locked into roster spots. Reporter Mike Spofford also lists DuJuan Harris as someone who "excited" the coaching staff last season. It means Alex Green and James Starks are likely competing for one roster spot, if that. Green says he learned a lot during his dicey return from a torn ACL last season. "My aiming point through the holes, the reads, watching the safety rotations. Just slowing the game down a little bit and letting the game come to me and being patient." Green and Starks are both facing an uphill battle.

Alex Green started and finished OTAs as the Packers' No. 1 running back. May and June depth-chart decisions are often made on experience. While we wouldn't completely give up hope of Green developing into a plus NFL contributor, there's little doubt he's a long shot to open the season as Green Bay's starter. Green remains in the mix of a five-way running back competition that also includes Eddie Lacy, DuJuan Harris, Johnathan Franklin, and James Starks.

Alex Green says he was never 100 percent last season after returning from his October 2011 ACL tear. Green was worn down to the point that he was scratched for Green Bay's Divisional Round loss to the 49ers. "I came back, I got close to it, but once I got close, then I had a couple setbacks," Green said. "I was never really quite where I wanted to be, but I made great strides in the off-season. I'm definitely getting ready for this year." Perhaps as low as fourth on the depth chart, Green could be a candidate for trade or release in training camp.

Per the Journal-Sentinel, RB Alex Green "remains mostly out of the mix." Green is no threat to feature back DuJuan Harris or backup Ryan Grant. He's not hurt, but he's "worn down" thanks in part to last year's ACL reconstruction. The Journal-Sentinel says "the coaches feel he hasn't looked as explosive as earlier in the season."

Packers OC Tom Clements insists RB Alex Green still has a role in the offense. Green hasn't played a single snap the last two games. If he has a role, it's to be ready in case new starter DuJuan Harris goes down with an injury. With James Starks (knee) close to returning, Green could end up tumbling to fourth on the depth chart.

Alex Green confirmed that he was fully healthy after failing to play a single snap in Week 17. "Everything was fine," Green said. "I got the same amount of snaps I usually get in practice. Nothing was different. I think they just wanted to go with the hot hand." The Packers are clearly intrigued by DuJuan Harris' skill-set, but this is perhaps the league's purest "hot hand" situation.

Alex Green didn't have a single carry in Week 17 at Minnesota. Green was active, but we're not sure he even got a snap. The Packers promised to go with the hot hand in the backfield. Ryan Grant was the Week 16 star while DuJuan Harris took over on Sunday. Green appears to be the odd-man out entering the playoffs, though that could change at any time.

Alex Green (concussion) is officially listed as probable for Week 17 against the Vikings. Green was a surprise inactive Sunday after he couldn't pass his final concussion test, but was a full participant in practice this week and is fully expected to be available for the regular season finale. He'll join an unimpressive committee of Ryan Grant and DuJuan Harris at running back. The Packers need a win to clinch the No. 2 seed and a first-round bye in the playoffs.

Packers coach Mike McCarthy plans to utilize each of Alex Green, Ryan Grant and DuJuan Harris in Sunday's finale, but admits he'll go with the "hot hand" if one develops. "We'll use the hot player, not playing favorites," McCarthy said. "(We'll) use hot hand, that's who will get the football." The "hot hand" will likely come down to Grant and Green. Grant rushed 20 times for 80 yards in Sunday's win. Grant might have a slightly better shot than Green at leading the Pack's committee this weekend, but neither will be a recommended fantasy option against the Vikings' stout run defense.

Packers head coach Mike McCarthy said Alex Green (concussion) will "definitely be available" for Week 17 versus the Vikings. Green couldn't pass his final concussion test leading up to Week 16 against the Titans, which came as a surprise to the Packers, but he should be full-go for the regular season finale this week. Green will likely share early-down work with Ryan Grant while DuJuan Harris mixes in as Green Bay tries to secure a first-round bye for the playoffs.