GREEN BAY, Wis. — Running back Cedric Benson could be returning to the Packers for a second season. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Benson — currently a free agent — is flying to Green Bay on Wednesday to meet with the team.

Benson, 30, was the Packers’ starting running back when the 2012 season began. After rushing for 248 yards and one touchdown through four games, Benson suffered a season-ending Lisfranc foot injury. Schefter added that Benson is “almost healed” from that injury.

Article continues below ...

Last week, general manager Ted Thompson didn’t speculate on Benson potentially returning to Green Bay.

“I wouldn’t comment on that,” Thompson said. “He’s an unrestricted free agent, and he has an injury thing he has to get past, but we’ll see.”

The Packers are in need of a star running back to pair with quarterback Aaron Rodgers to help balance the offense and keep opposing defenses from planning for a pass on nearly every down. Benson, the fourth overall pick in 2005, is an accomplished runner with more than 6,000 career rushing yards, but he also has a lot of wear and tear on his body after 1,600 career rushing attempts.

Green Bay was led in rushing last season by Alex Green with 464 yards. James Starks was second with 255 yards, with Benson in third.

Follow Paul Imig on Twitter.