Packers sign FB Kerridge from practice squad

GREEN BAY - The Green Bay Packers didn't wait long to punish safety Jermaine Whitehead for a mistake he made that opened up a lane to the end zone for Indianapolis kickoff returner Jordan Todman.

The Packers released Whitehead and signed fullback Joe Kerridge from the practice squad to the 53-man roster.

Whitehead was elevated from the practice squad to the 53-man roster Oct. 24 and played on special teams against Atlanta and the Colts.

Either Whitehead ran out of his lane or was blocked into teammate Kyler Fackrell, who fell to the ground, leaving a huge gap for Todman to run through on his 99-yard touchdown return on the opening kickoff Sunday in the Packers' 31-26 loss. Whitehead wasn't the only person to blame for the return; kicker Mason Crosby didn't place the ball where he was supposed and others didn't get off their blocks.

Nevertheless, the Packers decided they'd rather have Kerridge, who was signed to the practice squad Sept. 3, a chance to play on special teams.

The Packers already have a player they like at fullback in Aaron Ripkowski, so it's likely the move is just for special teams. However, if coach Mike McCarthy is intending on running more, it does give him the option of going to an inverted wishbone with two fullbacks instead of a fullback and a tight end. Neither Richard Rodgers nor Justin Perillo has proved to be a consistent blocker.

The 6-foot, 245-pound Kerridge carried just 18 times while playing fullback at Michigan. He had runs of 52 and 34 yards and averaged 6.7 yards per carry.