"Last weekend was a 2009 replay for Ryan Grant. The 29-year-old running back's split-second anticipation and patience resurfaced. He had his longest run since Dec. 27, 2009, and looked as fresh as he has all season.

It'll all add up to more opportunities. Right?

"I could say something smart like if we got a 47-yarder on the first run, we might," joked offensive coordinator Joe Philbin, referring to Grant's first carry last week.

Correct, this is a pass-first, pass-often team. Even though the temperature is falling, the Green Bay Packers will likely keep throwing the ball often. But Grant, fresh off the team's best rushing day of the season, probably will see more touches out of necessity.

The Packers could enter Sunday's game with just two healthy running backs. James Starks (ankle) and Brandon Saine (concussion) didn't practice Thursday, so there's a reasonable chance Grant and John Kuhn will be the lone backs against Kansas City."