Packers release Ferguson after failed physical

GREEN BAY – Defensive tackle Ego Ferguson failed his physical with the Green Bay Packers and was released Wednesday, according to the NFL’s transaction wire.

The Packers claimed Ferguson on waivers after the Chicago Bears released him last week. He was a 2014 second-round pick in Chicago, but injuries have prevented him from playing all but four games the past two seasons.

Ferguson missed all of last season on injured reserve with a preseason shoulder injury that required surgery. A knee injury put him on IR in 2015. Ferguson had a promising rookie season that included two sacks before injuries derailed his career.

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The last time Ferguson played a regular-season game was Oct. 11, 2015 at Kansas City.

The Packers won't have to pay Ferguson the $980,981 due in the final year of his contract; they would have owed Ferguson that only if he'd made the 53-man roster for the 2017 season.

The Packers had hoped Ferguson’s arrival would help provide depth on the defensive line, creating competition this off-season. They also signed Ricky Jean Francois, padding their depth chart. Now, the Packers' defensive line consists of Mike Daniels, Kenny Clark, Dean Lowry, Letroy Guion, Jean Francois and practice-squad member Brian Price.