Starks still sidelined: It’s not looking good for Packers RB James Starks (ankle) being able to play Sunday against the Chiefs. Cue up Ryan Grant taking the majority of the carries for another week. Which might not be a bad thing. Last week, Grant had easily his best game of the season, running through the Raiders for 85 yards and a pair of touchdowns. Kansas City’s defense (ranked 26th against the run) isn’t much better than Oakland’s (ranked 29th), so after being a non-factor for the majority of the season, Grant is suddenly worth a start as a No. 2 RB or a flex play.

Peterson improving: For a second straight day, Vikings RB Adrian Peterson (ankle) was on the practice field, making it even more likely that he starts Sunday against the Saints. With each day, it sounds like All Day is getting stronger, which should add to the confidence of any fantasy owners starting him this week. It also means that the likelihood of Toby Gerhart seeing any touches gets incrementally smaller.

Kevin Smith practices: Lions RB Kevin Smith (ankle) is back to work after missing last week’s game against the Vikings and hopes to be ready for Sunday’s contest at the Raiders. Smith was giving Detroit a nice boost in the running game and a matchup against the same Oakland defense that was torched by Grant is a nice welcome back. If you’re looking for someone to plug into a flex spot this week, Smith is a good choice.

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