The Green Bay Packers have placed running back Cedric Benson on injured reserve after the former first round selection of the Chicago Bears in 2005 suffered a foot injury Sunday against the Indianapolis Colts. Benson will be able to practice with the team in six weeks, and could return to game action in Week 14 after the team used the new “designated to return” tag on him, a new rule in the NFL this season.

On the season, Benson has rushed for 248 yards on 71 carries and one touchdown. Replacing Benson will be a tough task for head coach Mike McCarthy, who will apparently go with the “hot hand” for an offence that ranks 20th in rushing yards per game in the NFL.

MM: Will ride the hot hand. Alex Green will get the first crack, further ahead than Starks. But have three halfbacks.

— Tyler Dunne (@TyDunne) October 10, 2012

Second year man Alex Green should be your first choice on the wire if you need some help at running back. Green rushed for 55 yards on nine carries after the injury to Benson, and looks to be the starter Sunday against the Texans. James Starks, if available, should be your next option, with John Kuhn, owner of 19 career touchdowns in his six years in Green Bay, as your third option.