Packers Short On Running Backs, Kuhn Steps In

With Ryan Grant and Kregg Lumpkin sidelined by injury, John Kuhn performed halfback duties on Monday at Packers training camp practice.

GREEN BAY – Down to only two healthy halfbacks for Monday's training camp practice, Packers fullback John Kuhn filled in at a position short on depth, at least temporarily.

According to multiple reports, starting halfback Ryan Grant suffered a concussion during this past Saturday's first preseason game at home against the Cleveland Browns after a helmet-to-helmet blow to the head. Grant did not practice this afternoon.

Backup Kregg Lumpkin did not practice either after reportedly having a hamstring issue in the aftermath of the Browns game.

To make up for the lack of depth, Kuhn spent the large majority of practice as a halfback both in one-back sets and as a tailback in a two-point stance behind either Korey Hall or Quinn Johnson at fullback.

While not an ideal option as a halfback, Kuhn brings prior experience to the position. He's served as an emergency halfback in previous seasons with the Packers when injuries dictated such a move. He also played in a one-back system while in college at Shippensburg.

In addition, Kuhn is the only fullback to have carried the football in each of the last two seasons. In the past two years, Kuhn has 16 carries for 28 yards and two touchdowns, mostly in short-yardage situations and near the goal line. He also added a tw0-yard touchdown run on Saturday against the Browns.

The move figures to be temporary. Head coach Mike McCarthy expressed optimism that Grant will be able to practice on Tuesday. According to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel's Greg Bedard on Twitter:

MM: Grant had a concussion. Hope to go tomorrow.

Kuhn's ability to play halfback in a pinch can only help his cause in the battle to make the 53-man roster. The Packers kept three fullbacks a year ago, but most observers agree that they'll only keep two this season at a position that's being phased out of most NFL offenses.

Each fullback brings their own talents to the table. While Kuhn may be the best ball carrier among the bunch, Hall is generally considered the best receiver and Johnson perhaps the best lead blocker.

As expected, special teams will be a factor in who the Packers keep. Both Kuhn and Hall have worked ahead of Johnson on several special teams units early during camp.

Rookie running back James Starks remains on the Physically Unable to Perform list. Until he's activated, he'll be unable to add depth at the position.

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Comments (31)

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PackersRS's picture

August 16, 2010 at 05:40 pm

Love Kuhn in Goalline situations. On 3rd and 4th and short, not so much, but on 2nd down, he's gold.

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InFact's picture

August 16, 2010 at 06:00 pm

Sorry, Copy Editor Copy back again:

Better:

GREEN BAY – Down to only two healthy halfbacks for Monday’s training camp practice, Packers fullback John Kuhn temporarily filled in at a position short on depth.

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InFact's picture

August 16, 2010 at 06:03 pm

Yikes. One more glaring Grammar Cop from the writer:

Each = his (for pronoun and subject agreement)

Thus:

Each fullback brings his own talents to the table.

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PackersRS's picture

August 16, 2010 at 06:33 pm

Well, I think I speak for everybody when I say that, in fact, you're a pain in the ass.

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Michael (Pat/s Twin)'s picture

August 17, 2010 at 12:07 pm

RS what you have a special ars. I think not unless your wearing girdle pads.

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PackerGorilla's picture

August 16, 2010 at 06:47 pm

Dear Self-Appointed Copy Editor,

Brian wrote " . . . Kuhn filled in at a position short on depth, at least temporarily." Your unsolicited edit changes the meaning of his sentence.

In Brian's version, he suggests that Kuhn's work at HB might not be temporary. For all we know, it isn't (however unlikely that is). As Brian acknowledges a few lines down, the move "figures to be temporary." Again, we aren't sure.

By the way, the phrase "one more glaring Grammar Cop from the writer" is nonsensical.

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Rich Beckman's picture

August 16, 2010 at 06:50 pm

It occurs to me that if Kuhn is the best ball carrier, Hall is the best receiver and Johnson the best lead blocker, then Hall should be the odd man out.

Couldn't they line up a tight end in the backfield if a receiver out of the backfield is needed?

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PackersRS's picture

August 16, 2010 at 08:30 pm

Agreed.

I bet Lee or Crabtree are better H-Backs than Hall...

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madman's picture

August 17, 2010 at 07:07 am

Are you convinced Johnson is the best blocker? I think that the difference is negligable. Johnson looks huge, plays o.k. And doesn't special teams have to factor in?

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Rich Beckman's picture

August 17, 2010 at 07:38 am

I'm not convinced of anything. Hence the "if".

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asshalo's picture

August 16, 2010 at 07:08 pm

Temporary is the key word, as Thompson would probably rummage an RB off a practice squad or after the first or second round of cuts.

It is somewhat of an indicator of how the team values Kunn. Hall is smaller, had less receiving yards last year and never runs of the ball. For those reasons I'm surprised Hall is listed ahead of Kuhn on the depth chart. It will be interested to see which FB is cut (assuming one is).

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nypacker's picture

August 16, 2010 at 07:20 pm

Wow I really thought Quinn Porter would have gotten some snaps with the first string offense. Based on the way he's played so far, I thought he deserved a shot.

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DAWG's picture

August 16, 2010 at 07:31 pm

The problem I see, the Brownies blitzed 70% of the time, which proves no one respects our running game!

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CJ in Guatemala's picture

August 16, 2010 at 07:47 pm

It proves they where emphasizing the first preseason game on testing how "good" of a blitz package they will have while the season is running...

They where pressuring a lot and yet, Porter and Lumpkin did some moves and got some yards,our pass pro was adequate from our 2's and 3's and lets face it, late in the game the Packers want to really test out Flynn and to a lesser extent Harrell, so those guys will have more meaningful reps during a game i would think.

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DAWG's picture

August 16, 2010 at 08:01 pm

I hear ya, good points, but in the 4th, who gives a shit about Harrel, run the ball and save the game?

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DAWG's picture

August 16, 2010 at 08:18 pm

Just saying, Wolf and Holmgren, first thing they did was to make sure we always won at our house to insure confidence to the players, and other teams to dread to come here- we've lost that! Only Holmgren and Vince hold that record-in GB.

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Wiscokid's picture

August 16, 2010 at 07:37 pm

It's a shame Starks is on the PUP list, this would be a good opportunity to get some extra reps. I'd love to see what he can do.

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DAWG's picture

August 16, 2010 at 08:38 pm

This situation is weird, great receiver out of the back field, like we need more receivers. Can he run? And run hard?
He runs tall, easy hit for defenders-Roll the dice. Not looking good.

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PackerFan4Life's picture

August 16, 2010 at 07:46 pm

what about kreg lumpkin making the team as the 3rd rb? and put quinn porter on practice squad

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DAWG's picture

August 16, 2010 at 07:53 pm

Gotta say, Kuhn's determination on the TD gives him a shot to at least try him at RB, but only short yardage. Loved that play!
Kuhn sticks!

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esquetoi's picture

August 16, 2010 at 07:58 pm

Why not have him carry the ball beside goal line or short yardage situations? It seems if he can be given the pill, it's another variable the which opposing defenses would have to worry.

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Wiscokid's picture

August 16, 2010 at 08:14 pm

Off topic but what's the story with Blackmon? Is that guy ever going play?

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PackersRS's picture

August 16, 2010 at 08:33 pm

http://www.jsonline.com/blogs/sports/100807804.html

"McCarthy said after testing today, Blackmon might be able to practice on Tuesday."

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DAWG's picture

August 16, 2010 at 08:54 pm

Blackmon has got to have the best insurance policy in the world! But I LIKE him.

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pat fermanich's picture

August 17, 2010 at 06:30 am

kuhns at hb. and neal at blocking back or shields at blocing back for neal.

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bomdad's picture

August 17, 2010 at 09:46 am

I guess its a good sign for Shields that he is still at CB and not inserted at RB as a tackling dummy.

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Michael (Pat/s Twin)'s picture

August 17, 2010 at 12:11 pm

I heard Aaron played pretty good football with the Pop Warner teams in the 90's.

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pat fermanich's picture

August 17, 2010 at 12:33 pm

my bro picks on arron no supper for you i got some dog food for mike / bro . ill snore louder tonight boone head brother.

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pat fermanich's picture

August 17, 2010 at 12:37 pm

i can see shields as a dummy bag with wings neals dummy bag

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pat fermanich's picture

August 18, 2010 at 06:55 am

slightly used brother for sale. will take food for him. and shields bob-head.

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ron blouse's picture

August 18, 2010 at 03:40 pm

I can certainly assure you this john kuhn if given the chance at hb in goal line packages with a lead blocker with put the ball in the end zone 8 of 10 times with out a doubt. i seen him play in college an his vision is second to none with the ball in his hands.

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