Green Bay Packers

Packers RB Eddie Lacy, CB Sam Shields will remain on IR for 2016

Published Dec. 9, 2016 1:04 p.m. ET

Cameron DaSilva

The Packers have been without two of their top playmakers for most of the season as Eddie Lacy and Sam Shields have both been on injured reserve since the middle of October. Shields hasn’t played since the season opener, while Lacy has been out for the past five games.

Both players will remain on injured reserve for the remainder of the season as head coach Mike McCarthy announced Wednesday that neither will be activated. Instead, cornerback Makinton Dorleant will be the player designated to return.

Lacy rushed for just 360 yards and no touchdowns in five games this season, but he did average 5.1 yards per carry. His ankle injury was simply far too significant for him to overcome, and it was clear on tape as he tried to play through it.

Now that Lacy is out for the year, it’s certainly possible he’s played his last game in Green Bay. He’ll be a free agent after this season and the Packers would be smart to let him walk.

Shields, on the other hand, played just one game. He’s been trying to recover from a significant concussion, an injury he also dealt with last season. Unlike Lacy, he’s signed through 2017.