Green Bay Reporter

The Green Bay Packers signed running back Nate McCrary and linebacker Chris Russell while releasing long snapper Peter Bowden and safety Tyler Coyle. General Manager Brian Gutekunst announced the transactions on Wednesday.

McCrary, a first-year player from Saginaw Valley State, returns to the Packers after spending most of last year's training camp with the team. Initially signed by the Baltimore Ravens as an undrafted free agent in 2021, McCrary spent his rookie season on the Denver Broncos' active roster and the Ravens' practice squad. He was elevated to the active roster for one game by Baltimore in 2021 as a COVID replacement and recorded a carry. After being released by Baltimore following the 2022 training camp, he spent part of that season on the Carolina Panthers' practice squad. In 2023, McCrary was with the Cleveland Browns during the offseason and early training camp before playing for the Michigan Panthers of the UFL in 2024. He will wear No. 30 for Green Bay.

Russell, a rookie from Texas A&M, participated in the Packers' rookie minicamp this past May as a tryout player. During his college career, he played in 58 games, recording 112 tackles (59 solo), 10 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks, three passes defensed, an interception, a forced fumble, and two fumble recoveries. In 2022, Russell started all 12 games and ranked third on his team with 66 tackles (33 solo), earning defensive Most Improved honors at Texas A&M's annual team banquet. He will wear No. 47 for Green Bay.