There wasn't a clear-cut third-string running back choice by the end of August. But, there were some names that stood out during the preseason.

Last year, Alonzo Harris was the favorite before complications ensued and John Crockett stepped into the reigns behind James Starks and Eddie Lacy. This year, Crockett was at risk of losing his gig with the Packers once again until an injury did eventually leave him out of a job. He didn't fall to the feet of Harris, however. In fact, he didn't necessarily cough up his position to anyone. The Packers went into the season-opener with just two running backs - Lacy and Starks - on their roster.

Soon, injuries depleted the group and the Packers were forced to promote Don Jackson, a former practice squad suitor, to the 53-man roster. The pedestrian rushing attack showed no signs of ascending, even after Ty Montgomery was swapped from his primary position as a wide receiver into the backfield. His new role? Playing both spots and being available when called upon, which has been 12 times in the last two games.

Among the final roster cuts at the beginning of September, was Brandon Burks, a former Troy running back who didn't hear his name called on Draft Weekend. 

Burks was swapped out for Jhurell Pressley, who lasted a mere week in Green Bay, only to receive the call from Ted Thompson and company to make the trek back to the team he was initially set to begin the season with. Now, Burks occupies the final spot on the Packers' 10-man practice squad, now filled to capacity. Whether a promotion looms in his future is beyond him or anyone else reading this. There hasn't been many concrete situations this season in which Thompson has displayed even an ounce of predictability.

Nevertheless, Burks can actually help the Packers' offense, which has been bordering on the brink of mediocrity this season despite an impressive showing in the Georgia Dome last weekend.

Burks, who just finished celebrating his 23rd birthday on Tuesday, was portrayed by scouts as a player similar to that of Darren Sproles. When you look at the combine numbers, it's easy to see why.

Sproles' 4.46 40-yard dash was evidently faster than Burks' 4.56, but of course, speed isn't the biggest indicator when breaking down the film of an undrafted tailback. Burks managed 24 of the 225-pound bench press repetitions while Sproles chimed in a notch below at 23, as did he with the vertical jump. Burks recorded a ten-foot reach while Sproles recorded just under nine feet.

Their body types are the biggest resemblance, albeit Burks is somewhat bigger, making it tougher for him to hit the holes the way Sproles did at the peak of his career in San Diego.

Burks was by far the most impressive running back during the preseason for the Packers, leading many to believe his place on the roster after September 3rd was solidified. The Packers instead kept six safeties and with the outburst of talent at wide receiver, seven of those guys as well.

During his four years at Troy, Burks played receiver during his freshman year which eventually attributed to how dangerous he was in the passing game for the Trojans' quarterbacks, Corey Robinson and Brandon Silvers. He spent his final three years at the school at his natural tailback position, tallying 88 receptions for 673 yards and three touchdowns. Miniscule numbers compared to his 2253 rushing yards, for which he averaged 5.2 yards per carry in his college career.

If he ever got the call to the Packers' roster, which currently houses 52 players that still await the activation of Corey Linsley from the PUP (physically unable to perform) list, it isn't far-fetched to assume he would be able to be beneficial. It would give the opportunity to keep Montgomery as a prime target in the passing game while occasionally working him out of the backfield on hand-offs and the rare wheel. Burks can also bring an element to both phases of the offense that hasn't been seen since DuJuan Harris left town in 2015.

Harris, another undersized Troy running back, didn't see much action with the team outside of the 2012 season which showcased the Packers recycling through five running backs. 

Finally, the Packers would have an ideal option to run the infamous toss sweeps that, for some reason, Lacy was the usual option to do so. Burks may not have the speed to turn the corner like you would think Sproles does, but on film, Burks' vision to cut back into the lane ahead is admirable. 

Even on the common stretch hand-off, Burks hits the corner with ferocity:

The Packers may not call upon the services of Burks any time in the near future. Especially with Starks ready to make a comeback following his meniscus surgery that caused him to miss the last three games. 

With the odds stacked tall against Burks, having the reassurance of a talented tailback locked and loaded on the practice squad is always a nice alternative.