"If Green Bay Packers running back James Starks can deal with the pain, he should be able to play against the Detroit Lions on Thanksgiving Day.

Starks took part in practice Tuesday and while the medical staff told him to take it easy, he couldn't help but open it up on a couple of runs to see if his sprained right knee and ankle could handle the stress.

The verdict was so far, so good.

"I was going through a little bit of pain, but I can deal with pain," Starks said. "Running backs play with a lot of pain, so I can get through it. I just have to start tolerating it a little better. I feel good, though. I feel better."

Of the two players who suffered injuries against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Sunday, Starks has the most to overcome. Wide receiver Greg Jennings, who bruised his knee, practiced and has already been cleared to play, according to coach Mike McCarthy."