Packers release safety Chris Banjo

GREEN BAY - The Packers negotiated an injury settlement with safety Chris Banjo, allowing them to release him to waivers.

It became clear the Packers were going to negotiate a settlement after they placed Banjo on injured reserve with a minor hamstring injury. When the injury isn't expected to last more than six weeks, the player is put on injured reserve with a "minor" designation.

The team then has to work out an injury settlement or allow the player to rehab until healthy and then cut him.

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Banjo, a popular figure in the locker room and one of the team's best special teams players last year, was limited to two games this season because of the hamstring ailment. He played in 37 regular-season games for the Packers over four seasons.

The Packers found young athletic talent at safety with rookie free agents Kentrell Brice, Marwin Evans and Jermaine Whitehead and felt they were the future on special teams.