ESPN's Chris Mortensen reported on NFL Insiders Friday that free agent Cedric Benson is "in retirement mode."

Benson is 30 years old and coming off a Lisfranc fracture, so it's not surprising he's seriously considering hanging up the cleats. If this is truly it for the No. 4 overall pick in the 2005 draft, Benson will finish his eight-year career with 1,600 carries for 6,017 yards (3.8 YPC) and 32 rushing touchdowns.

Free agent Cedric Benson only met with the Packers Wednesday for a checkup on his surgically repaired foot.

USA Today reports the Packers will not re-sign Benson today, although they're keeping tabs on him and may at a later date. We're interested to see whether Green Bay emerges from the draft with a big-time back. GM Ted Thompson hasn't used a top-two round pick on a running back since 2007 (Brandon Jackson).

ESPN's Adam Schefter reports free agent Cedric Benson is "almost healed" from his Lisfranc operation, and will meet with the Packers on Wednesday.

Schefter has been on the Benson beat this offseason. Benson was a popular deep-sleeper in fantasy leagues last season, but averaged just 3.5 yards per carry before going down. He wouldn't be more than a spare part if brought back for a second year in Green Bay.

According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, free agent RB Cedric Benson (foot) is reportedly "getting closer" to 100 percent.

ESPN Dallas suggests the Cowboys could have interest in free agent Cedric Benson.

Benson is still dealing with a Lisfranc injury and hasn't received any interest this offseason. With the Cowboys looking to add depth behind DeMarco Murray, Benson could serve as cheap veteran insurance. Dallas now has $5 million in cap space after they extended Tony Romo.

Fox Sports Wisconsin believes there is a "40 percent chance" impending free agent Cedric Benson is back with the Packers in 2013.

Beat writer Paul Imig classifies Benson as a "solid backup plan" should GM Ted Thompson not be able to find a quality back in the upcoming draft. Imig thinks all three of DuJuan Harris, James Starks, and Alex Green return for another year, but says Benson could be the cheap veteran who comes back if the aforementioned three don't perform. He seems to rule out the Packers even attempting to sign a Rashard Mendenhall or Steven Jackson type of free agent who will command higher dollars.

Impending free agent Cedric Benson has been charged with violating an ordinance prohibiting animals running at large.

Benson's pair of Rottweilers allegedly attacked calves owned by his neighbors, "causing very deep wounds and possibly tendon damage" in their legs. He got another charge when his dogs were found running loose in the neighborhood two weeks ago. Benson acknowledged that he's "having a hard time keeping them contained."

Impending free agent Cedric Benson wants to return to the Packers in 2013.

"Hopefully upstairs feels the same way. A contending team and a team that takes pride in being precise and executing and doing things correct; I'm all for it. I've gotten a lot of positive feedback from teammates and some of the staff. But they're not the ones that make those decisions," said Benson. The 30-year-old is coming off a Lisfranc injury that still has him in a walking boot and isn't expected to be back as the Packers look to overhaul their backfield.

Free agent Cedric Benson is considered "doubtful" to be re-signed by the Packers for 2013.

Benson, 30, is coming off a Lisfranc fracture and won't be available for at least part of the offseason. Although he was Green Bay's most effective running back in 2012, the Packers appear to be searching for a longer-term solution.

Cedric Benson is out for the remainder of the season after undergoing surgery Wednesday to repair a Lisfranc sprain.

He'll remain on injured reserve through the playoffs. "I thought Benson was playing very well each and every week [before the injury]," said coach Mike McCarthy. The Packers will continue to use an ineffective three-man, fantasy-draining rotation of James Starks, Alex Green, and John Kuhn. GM Ted Thompson's reluctance to part with a mid-round pick for a veteran back at the trade deadline could come back to haunt the Packers. Benson will approach 2013 free agency as a 30-year-old back coming off Lisfranc surgery, which means he will spend another offseason waiting for a team to get desperate before showing serious interest.

Per the Press-Gazette, there's "growing concern" that Cedric Benson (foot) won't be able to return this season.

Benson is eligible to come off injured reserve for Week 14, but that's not going to happen. His Lisfranc sprain does not appear to be healing as the Packers have expected and he's admitted that surgery is a possibility. We'll know more by the end of the week, but James Starks and Alex Green are preparing to carry the load the rest of the way.

Coach Mike McCarthy does not expect Cedric Benson (foot, I.R./designated for return) to begin practicing when eligible this week.

McCarthy said the Packers would have additional information on Benson tomorrow, which beat writers surmised could be bad news. On the other hand, the coaching staff may simply be waiting for a medical update on his progress. We should have more clarity by Wednesday evening.

Cedric Benson (foot, I.R. designated for return) hasn't ruled out surgery.

Uh oh. Benson is eligible to return in Week 14, but that's suddenly looking very shaky. He's going to visit a specialist later this month. Lisfranc injuries are among the toughest to come back from in football, and often necessitate surgery. Perhaps CedBen can put off going under the knife until the offseason, but owners can no longer assume he'll play again this season. His status should be updated in the coming days. If Benson ends up being done for 2012, the Pack will be left with perhaps the league's worst backfield duo in James Starks and Alex Green.

Cedric Benson (foot, I.R. designated for return) is aiming for a Dec. 16 return for the Packers' away game against the Bears.

"Cedric had the opportunity to have some testing done (recently) and everything's positive. His rehab has picked up," Packers coach Mike McCarthy said after practice Friday. Benson hasn't put a timeline on his return, but did say that he's confident he'll return before the season is over. "I'm kind of looking and thinking the Bears game," Benson said, though the team has left the door open for a possible Week 14 return for the Packers' home tilt against the Lions.

Cedric Benson (foot, I.R./designated for return) says his health is currently at "65 percent," but isn't putting a timetable on his return.

"We don't have a start-up date exactly when he's going to be ready," coach Mike McCarthy conceded. "We had some good news in the past seven days." Eligible to return in Week 14, Benson says he's unwilling to hurry back because it's not in the best interest of himself or the Packers. "If I try to rush it, it can really affect me," Benson said. "So I think it's in my best interest as the team's as well and my contribution to the team to come back when it's ready to come back."

Cedric Benson (foot, I.R./designated for return) expects to shed his walking boot by next week.

Benson says he's been unable to put any weight on the Lisfranc sprain in his left foot, but that he's "on, if not a little ahead" of schedule in his recovery. "My strength is coming back, the pain is subsiding so things are coming along good," Benson said. "It's one of those deals where you can't do much. But now, I'm at the point when I can start to do rehab." Benson can return no sooner than Week 14, so he won't be helping fantasy teams anytime soon.

Packers assigned RB Cedric Benson (foot) the "designated for return" tag on injured reserve.

Benson can't resume practicing for six weeks, and won't be eligible to return until Week 14. Coach Mike McCarthy is optimistic he'll play again this season, however, saying Benson is a "true pro," and that he can "see him being one of those guys who plays the last four weeks." McCarthy also confirmed the Packers will ride a "hot hand" approach in Benson's absence, with Alex Green getting the "first crack" at carries.

According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, Cedric Benson has been diagnosed with a Lisfranc foot injury and is out a minimum of eight weeks.

He could miss the season's remainder if doctors determine he needs surgery. Benson insisted after Sunday's game that his injury wasn't serious, but he was clearly overly optimistic. This is devastating news for Green Bay's ground game, and Benson can now be dropped in all fantasy leagues. Alex Green and James Starks will likely handle the load, but there isn't much upside to the two. Green Bay could scour the free agent market, but aside from Tim Hightower and Steve Slaton, there isn't much available. Lisfranc injuries have notoriously ended seasons, so we're not holding our breath for a return to action.

Packers coach Mike McCarthy has ruled out Cedric Benson (foot) for Week 6 against the Texans.

Look for Green Bay to turn to a three-headed backfield rotation of Alex Green, short-yardage specialist John Kuhn, and a healthy James Starks against Houston. Starks has been a healthy scratch in recent weeks, but should work back in off the bench as he's now fully recovered from a preseason case of turf toe. Green ripped off a 41-yard run in Week 5 against the Colts, but managed 14 yards on his other eight carries. There won't be a recommended Week 6 fantasy starter in the group. McCarthy gave no timetable for Benson's return. He's dealing with a foot sprain of some sort.

Cedric Benson insisted after Sunday's loss to the Colts that his left foot injury is not severe.

Benson had the foot in a boot afterwards, but said X-rays showed no structural damage and believes he avoided a Lisfranc injury. "I was able to walk on it," Benson said. "Guys who have had it usually can't." We'll learn more about Benson's Week 6 status this coming week. The Packers visit the Texans next.