NFL report: Eddie Lacy demoted as Packers’ No. 1 back

Eddie Lacy understands why he has been demoted on the Green Bay Packers’ depth chart.

The next step for the third-year running back is to figure out why his slow start has turned into a season-long slump.

Coach Mike McCarthy tabbed James Starks as the Packers’ top back going into this weekend’s game against the Detroit Lions, replacing Lacy.

“I would say James is our No. 1 back right now going into Detroit,” McCarthy said Wednesday. “He’s played very well. He’s earned that opportunity.”

McCarthy said he will continue to use both backs extensively. It’s just that now Lacy is considered the backup.

“Because he’s been the better player between us two so far,” Lacy said after practice when asked why McCarthy made the move.

Lacy ran for 1,100 yards in each of his first two full seasons in the league, but he has only 308 yards in 83 carries in eight games this season. He sprained an ankle in Week 2 and left Sunday’s loss at Carolina with a groin injury. Lacy returned to practice on Wednesday on a limited basis.

Starks has 334 yards rushing in 78 carries.

Manziel expects no punishment

Cleveland Browns quarterback Johnny Manziel says he does not expect to be punished by the NFL for his actions in a recent domestic incident.

The league is investigating whether Manziel violated its personal conduct policy during a roadside argument with his girlfriend on Oct. 12. Manziel was questioned by a league official after the incident.

Manziel has not heard anything from the league, and said discipline “is not anything I expect.”

The 22-year-old started last week in a loss to Cincinnati and may have to play again this week if Josh McCown remains sidelined with injured ribs.

Manziel also defended his decision to visit Texas A&M while the Browns were off last weekend. Photos of him holding a beer were posted on social media. Manziel said he’s changed his lifestyle over the last year. He spent 70 days in a rehab facility during the offseason.

Bridgewater update

Minnesota Vikings Coach Mike Zimmer says quarterback Teddy Bridgewater is “progressing nicely” through the NFL concussion protocol.

Bridgewater was knocked out of the game against St. Louis on Sunday by a hit to the head from Rams defensive back Lamarcus Joyner. Zimmer has said he believes Bridgewater will be ready to start against Oakland on Sunday.

Shaun Hill finished the game for the Vikings, helping them to a 21-18 overtime win.

Etc.

The New York Jets put right guard Willie Colon on season-ending injured reserve with chronic knee problems, creating a roster spot for the team to activate cornerback Dee Milliner from short-term IR. The 32-year-old Colon will be replaced by Brian Winters, a third-round pick in 2013. ... Chicago Bears running back Matt Forte practiced Wednesday on a limited basis. Forte sat out Monday’s 22-19 win at San Diego because of a right knee injury he suffered against Minnesota the previous week. ... Philadelphia Eagles left tackle Jason Peters says he’s only 50-50 to play on Sunday against the Miami Dolphins as he manages a back injury. Peters missed Sunday’s game against the Dallas Cowboys after a bye week. ... Denver linebacker Shane Ray made a surprise appearance on the practice field Wednesday, providing hope to a depleted Denver defense preparing to face the Kansas City Chiefs without Pro Bowl pass-rusher DeMarcus Ware and star cornerback Aqib Talib. Ray sprained his right MCL against Cleveland on Oct. 18. ... The Baltimore Ravens said tight end Dennis Pitta would be placed on injured reserve, a decision that came after his personal physicians and team doctors deemed it unsafe for Pitta to return from right hip surgery.