The Green Bay Packers made the move we’ve been expecting since last week, on Wednesday. They placed safety Sean Richardson on injured reserve, ending his season.
Richardson suffered a second spinal injury and may not play football again.
Tight end Justin Perillo took Richardson’s roster spot, in a move we have speculated about since Andrew Quarless went on IR.
Perillo went through camp with the Packers and has been on the practice squad since the beginning of the season. He was on the active roster for 10 games in 2014, but played in just two.
How much Perillo will be utilized is questionable, but the Packers needed the depth. They had only rookie Kennard Backman behind starter Richard Rodgers, who, frankly, is underwhelming at best.
Despite that, the coaching staff has pretty much refused to play Backman. He has played just six offensive snaps this season.
Perillo, however, is a better blocker, so his situation may be different.
Interestingly, tight end Mitchell Henry was released by the Denver Broncos today, as well. Henry went through camp with the Packers and was released during final cuts. The Packers wanted to sign him to the practice squad, but the Broncos claimed him on waivers.
The Packers could have signed Henry to their practice squad as well, but instead they filled Perillo’s spot with cornerback Kyle Sebetic.
Jury’s still out on Backman, but neither Rodgers nor Perillo can run.
At least Perillo has an excuse in his size and blocking ability