Packers to start RB James Starks over Eddie Lacy

Coach Mike McCarthy said running back James Starks will start ahead of Eddie Lacy when the Green Bay Packers play host to the Detroit Lions on Sunday.

McCarthy said Wednesday that Starks "is our No. 1 back right now going into Detroit."

Lacy has rushed for more than 1,100 yards in each of his first two seasons, but has just 308 yards through eight games this season. Starks is the team's leading rusher with 334 yards on five fewer carries.

"He's played very well, he's earned that opportunity," McCarthy said of Starks. "I'm not a big believer in just riding one running back the whole season. We'll stay with the 1-2 punch."

Starks rushed for a season-high 112 yards on just 10 carries in starting against the San Diego Chargers on Oct. 18. Meanwhile, Lacy left Sunday's loss at the Carolina Panthers with a groin injury after rushing for just 10 yards on five carries.

McCarthy said he expected Lacy to be a full participant in practice this week, indicating the change is not injury related.