GREEN BAY – James Starks practiced in full all three days this week and is listed as probable for Sunday’s game against the New Orleans Saints at Lambeau Field.

But the Green Bay Packers running back probably won’t play, based on how coach Mike McCarthy sounded Friday.

Huh?

Here’s a look at the official injury report:

Starks, who also hasn’t played since an Aug. 9 turf toe injury, apparently is healthy enough to play, but with veteran Cedric Benson and second-year backs Alex Green and Brandon Saine having not missed nearly as much time as Starks, it would appear that Starks will be a healthy scratch Sunday. At least, that’s how coach Mike McCarthy sounded after practice Friday.

“We’re starting to see him back to where he was before he got hurt. I would say he’s close,” McCarthy said. “With that, Cedric and Alex and Brandon, they’ve earned this opportunity. We’ll keep working through that.”

House, who hasn’t played since suffering a shoulder injury on Aug. 9, worked all week in practice but is still listed as questionable and may be another week away. In addition, the coaches have been happy with Sam Shields and rookie Casey Hawyward, so House will have to work his way into the rotation.

“The players that are prepared will play. Davon’s making progress,” McCarthy said. “I thought he definitely practiced better this week than he did last week. He’s close. We’re going to play the players that have earned their opportunities and are prepared.”