Cedric Benson knows there's an expiration date stamped on any NFL player and that it seems to come sooner for running backs than anyone else.
Benson insists he has a lot left to give the Green Bay Packers despite carrying the ball more than 1,500 times over the past seven NFL seasons.
"I think I've got plenty," Benson said Monday. "I still feel good. I'm still loose, I diet well and I train well and do the best I can to contribute to the longevity of my career as best I know how. And I think I've got plenty of years left. I feel great."
The Packerssigned the free-agent running back Sunday, hoping to add depth and productivity at a position that is being stretched thin by injuries just a few weeks into training camp.
Benson told FOXSportsWisconsin.com the Detroit Lions and Oakland Raiders both attempted to sign him before the Packers.
"Both teams that needed backs," Benson said. "They talk about a Super Bowl around here, not about winning their first playoff game."
Already missing James Starks because of a turf toe injury -- and not wanting to overtax second-year player Alex Green in his return from a season-ending knee injury -- the Packers' problems were compounded when they lost John Kuhn to an ankle sprain during Monday's practice.
Coach Mike McCarthy had to cut practice short by 20 minutes because the team simply didn't have enough running backs to get through all their drills.
Benson isn't likely to play in Thursday's preseason game against the Cleveland Browns, potentially leaving the Packers shorthanded.
"We have an idea of what kind of player we're bringing in because he's a veteran, an accomplished player," McCarthy said. "His pass protection and ball-carries and the things he's done in the past, it's always a transition. Some people believe in certain things are done certain ways. We'll teach him like we teach the rest of the guys. And I'm confident he'll be able to pass protect in our system."
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
