ESPN's Chris Mortensen reported on NFL Insiders Friday that free agent Cedric Benson is "in retirement mode." Benson is 30 years old and coming off a Lisfranc fracture, so it's not surprising he's seriously considering hanging up the cleats. If this is truly it for the No. 4 overall pick in the 2005 draft, Benson will finish his eight-year career with 1,600 carries for 6,017 yards (3.8 YPC) and 32 rushing touchdowns.

Free agent Cedric Benson only met with the Packers Wednesday for a checkup on his surgically repaired foot. USA Today reports the Packers will not re-sign Benson today, although they're keeping tabs on him and may at a later date. We're interested to see whether Green Bay emerges from the draft with a big-time back. GM Ted Thompson hasn't used a top-two round pick on a running back since 2007 (Brandon Jackson).

ESPN's Adam Schefter reports free agent Cedric Benson is "almost healed" from his Lisfranc operation, and will meet with the Packers on Wednesday. Schefter has been on the Benson beat this offseason. Benson was a popular deep-sleeper in fantasy leagues last season, but averaged just 3.5 yards per carry before going down. He wouldn't be more than a spare part if brought back for a second year in Green Bay.

According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, free agent RB Cedric Benson (foot) is reportedly "getting closer" to 100 percent.

ESPN Dallas suggests the Cowboys could have interest in free agent Cedric Benson. Benson is still dealing with a Lisfranc injury and hasn't received any interest this offseason. With the Cowboys looking to add depth behind DeMarco Murray, Benson could serve as cheap veteran insurance. Dallas now has $5 million in cap space after they extended Tony Romo.

Fox Sports Wisconsin believes there is a "40 percent chance" impending free agent Cedric Benson is back with the Packers in 2013. Beat writer Paul Imig classifies Benson as a "solid backup plan" should GM Ted Thompson not be able to find a quality back in the upcoming draft. Imig thinks all three of DuJuan Harris, James Starks, and Alex Green return for another year, but says Benson could be the cheap veteran who comes back if the aforementioned three don't perform. He seems to rule out the Packers even attempting to sign a Rashard Mendenhall or Steven Jackson type of free agent who will command higher dollars.

Impending free agent Cedric Benson has been charged with violating an ordinance prohibiting animals running at large. Benson's pair of Rottweilers allegedly attacked calves owned by his neighbors, "causing very deep wounds and possibly tendon damage" in their legs. He got another charge when his dogs were found running loose in the neighborhood two weeks ago. Benson acknowledged that he's "having a hard time keeping them contained."

Impending free agent Cedric Benson wants to return to the Packers in 2013. "Hopefully upstairs feels the same way. A contending team and a team that takes pride in being precise and executing and doing things correct; I'm all for it. I've gotten a lot of positive feedback from teammates and some of the staff. But they're not the ones that make those decisions," said Benson. The 30-year-old is coming off a Lisfranc injury that still has him in a walking boot and isn't expected to be back as the Packers look to overhaul their backfield.

Free agent Cedric Benson is considered "doubtful" to be re-signed by the Packers for 2013. Benson, 30, is coming off a Lisfranc fracture and won't be available for at least part of the offseason. Although he was Green Bay's most effective running back in 2012, the Packers appear to be searching for a longer-term solution.

Cedric Benson is out for the remainder of the season after undergoing surgery Wednesday to repair a Lisfranc sprain. He'll remain on injured reserve through the playoffs. "I thought Benson was playing very well each and every week [before the injury]," said coach Mike McCarthy. The Packers will continue to use an ineffective three-man, fantasy-draining rotation of James Starks, Alex Green, and John Kuhn. GM Ted Thompson's reluctance to part with a mid-round pick for a veteran back at the trade deadline could come back to haunt the Packers. Benson will approach 2013 free agency as a 30-year-old back coming off Lisfranc surgery, which means he will spend another offseason waiting for a team to get desperate before showing serious interest.