Mike McCarthy: Eddie Lacy has been ‘rejuvenated’

Green Bay Packers running back Eddie Lacy still might have a chance to claw his way out of coach Mike McCarthy’s doghouse before the season ends.

After practice on Tuesday, McCarthy praised Lacy and said he is expecting him to have a “productive” game against the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday.

“I think Eddie’s been rejuvenated,” McCarthy said, according to the team’s official website. “His work was good today. I checked in with him just like do with all players. I look for him to have a good week of practice and be productive Sunday. We’re worried about what’s in front of us. We talk about what’s behind us way too much.”

It’s possible that Lacy, who was a non-factor against the Detroit Lions after putting up back-to-back 100-yard games, was simply being punished for a week. Shortly after McCarthy expressed disappointment in the former Alabama star, a report came out claiming that Lacy had some off-field issues before last Thursday’s game.

“Everything Eddie wants to accomplish is right there in front of him, that’s what we’re focused on today,” McCarthy said Tuesday. “If Eddie or any other player wants to jump up and grab an opportunity, it’s right in front of him.”

McCarthy obviously wants to light a fire under Lacy. Despite some disturbing things we have heard about Lacy’s attitude this season, the Packers are a much better team when he is at his best. Backup running back James Starks is a steady veteran, but his talent level is nowhere near Lacy’s. McCarthy knows Green Bay needs a healthy and motivated Lacy in order to make a deep postseason run.