The roster spot opened up by releasing quarterback Danny Etling on Sunday went to running back Nate McCrary one day later. The Green Bay Packers announced the signing to the 90-man roster on Monday.
McCrary, 24, went undrafted out of Saginaw Valley State in 2021. He has spent time with the Baltimore Ravens, Denver Broncos, Carolina Panthers and Cleveland Browns over the last two seasons, including a stint on the Broncos’ active roster and one appearance in a regular season game with the Ravens (one carry, -1 yard).
The Browns waived McCrary last week. The Packers, who are set at the top of the depth chart at running back with Aaron Jones and A.J. Dillon, may need extra depth at the position entering this week, especially with rookie Lew Nichols dealing with a shoulder injury. Matt LaFleur’s team is going to Cincinnati for a joint practice (on Wednesday) and preseason game (on Friday).
McCrary rushed for 1,889 yards and 28 touchdowns at Saginaw Valley State. He produced 1,060 yards and 10 touchdowns, including a 90-yard score, during his final season in 2020.
McCrary is an elite athlete for the running back position, registering a Relative Athletic Score of 9.42 out of 10.0 entering the NFL.
