The Green Bay Packers have brought running back Nate McCrary back into the fold, giving him a fresh opportunity to secure a spot on their 53-man roster for the upcoming 2024 NFL season. McCrary’s return comes amid a flurry of roster moves, as the team continues to evaluate and adjust its lineup.
According to the Packers’ official transaction wire from August 14, McCrary, 25, rejoined the team after being released earlier. His signing was part of a series of changes, including the addition of rookie linebacker Chris Russell and the release of rookie long snapper Peter Bowden and safety Tyler Coyle. These moves keep the roster at its maximum limit of 90 players.
McCrary’s stint with the Packers last year was brief. He had a modest preseason performance, rushing 11 times for 37 yards and a touchdown, but was ultimately cut from the 53-man roster. With the Packers opting for AJ Dillon and rookie Emanuel Wilson as backups to Aaron Jones, McCrary didn’t make the cut.
The landscape of Green Bay’s backfield has shifted significantly since then. With Jones now a member of the Minnesota Vikings, the Packers have signed 2022 rushing champion Josh Jacobs as their new starter. They also drafted USC’s MarShawn Lloyd in the third round of the 2024 draft, adding further competition for the backup spots, alongside Dillon and Wilson.
McCrary faces a tough road to make the roster but could find opportunities in the remaining preseason games. With Jacobs’ usage likely limited and both Lloyd and rookie Jarveon Howard dealing with injuries, McCrary’s presence could be valuable in practice and in preseason matchups. The Packers also have Ellis Merriweather in the running back mix.
In another development, the Packers have made multiple moves involving long snapper Peter Bowden. After initially signing him as an undrafted free agent on April 30, Bowden was cut from the roster on July 23, only to be re-signed a week later. His recent release on August 14 could suggest a final evaluation of his performance or a potential practice squad role.
Despite these changes, the Packers are starting to see some key players return to health. Cornerback Carrington Valentine resumed practice and participated in individual drills, while linebacker Quay Walker and rookie center Jacob Monk are back in full capacity. However, the team is still without rookie linebacker Edgerrin Cooper, who is recovering from a hip injury, and defensive end Keshawn Banks.
The Packers’ next preseason test comes against the Denver Broncos on Sunday, August 18, at 8 p.m. Eastern Time. As the team continues to navigate injuries and roster adjustments, the game will provide crucial opportunities for players like McCrary to prove their worth before the final roster cuts.
