GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) -- Packers running back Cedric Benson was placed on injured reserve Wednesday, but designated to return.
His loss is another blow to Green Bay's struggling offense.
Benson sprained his left foot in Sunday's 30-27 loss at Indianapolis. He must sit out eight games before he can return, though he's eligible to practice after six weeks. Green Bay coach Mike McCarthy says a foot sprain is a tough injury to recover from, but the Packers (2-3) are "optimistic" Benson will be able to return for the last four weeks of the season.
Benson has been the workhorse of Green Bay's running game, getting 71 of the team's 111 carries and rushing for 248 yards. Alex Green, James Starks and Brandon Saine are expected to share the load in Benson's absence.
