Packers sign LB Bradford, release Perillo

GREEN BAY - The Green Bay Packers have solidified their inside linebacker with the addition of veteran Carl Bradford, a fourth-round pick in the 2014 draft and practice squad member the past 1 1/2 years.

To make room for Bradford, the Packers released TE Justin Perillo.

The roster move speaks to the concern the Packers have about linebacker Jake Ryan's ankle injury. Ryan is out this week and might be sidelined for awhile depending on the severity of injury, which the Packers have not commented on.

Either way, the 6-1, 248-pound Bradford provides special teams help and backup help behind Blake Martinez and Joe Thomas. Bradford has come a long way since playing defensive end in college, transitioning to outside linebacker his rookie year and then switching to inside linebacker later that season.

Bradford had a solid training camp and was in close competition for one of the inside linebacker positions when the 53-man roster was set.

The move also speaks to the confidence the Packers have that tight end Jared Cook is recovered from his high ankle sprain. Cook and Richard Rodgers are the only two tight ends on the roster. Cook hasn't played since injuring his ankle in Week 3, but after practicing the past three weeks is expected to be ready for duty against Washington Sunday night.