GREEN BAY, Wis. -- A loss to the Colts was not the only issue for the Packers coming out of Sunday's game in Indianapolis. The injuries to running back Cedric Benson (foot), tight end Jermichael Finley (shoulder) and nose tackle B.J. Raji (ankle) were all serious enough that none of those three were able to return to the game.
Benson's foot injury appears to be the most problematic, with coach Mike McCarthy announcing Monday that the team will be without its leading rusher in Week 6 against the Houston Texans. ESPN then reported Monday night that he could miss at least eight weeks -- and possibly the season if he needs surgery -- with a Lisfranc foot sprain.
"He clearly won't be available this week," McCarthy said. "What's going on with Cedric, he had initial work done this morning and then Dr. (Pat) Mckenzie asked for more work this afternoon. I saw Cedric before the team meeting, and Dr. Mckenzie had to go to surgery. We have not discussed the later testing that's gone on."
McCarthy added that Benson is currently wearing a walking boot for protection. Benson had gained 20 yards on seven carries and also had two receptions for 21 yards against the Colts before having to be carted to the locker room early in the second quarter.
With Benson out, the Packers will now turn to second-year running back Alex Green. In nine carries Sunday, Green ran for 55 yards, including a 41-yard burst late in the game that led to a go-ahead touchdown on the next play. This will also create an opportunity for James Starks to get another chance in the running game. Starks, who missed nearly two months after suffering a turf toe injury in the first preseason game, has been a healthy inactive in Green Bay's last two games.
Raji is also in a walking boot following the ankle injury that he suffered in Sunday's game. However, McCarthy said that Raji, a 2011 Pro Bowl selection who has seven tackles and no sacks this season, will "have a chance (to play) this week."
The news was similarly optimistic for Finley, who McCarthy said also "has a chance to make it this week." Finley has 22 catches for 198 yards and one touchdown this season.
Follow Paul Imig on Twitter
