Packers sign free-agent QB Jerod Evans to practice squad

GREEN BAY - A free-agent quarterback is joining the Green Bay Packers, but not the kind of big-name veteran many fans have called for them to sign in the wake of Aaron Rodgers' injury.

The Packers announced the signing of rookie free agent Jerod Evans out of Virginia Tech to their practice squad Tuesday.

Evans originally signed with the Philadelphia Eagles as an undrafted free agent in May before suffering a foot injury during the Eagles’ rookie camp. He was placed on injured reserve May 16 and later released.

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The 6-foot-3, 232-pound prospect started his collegiate career at Trinity Valley Community College before transferring to Virginia Tech, where he started all 14 games in 2016. During that stretch, Evans threw for 3,546 yards and 29 touchdowns while racking up 846 yards and 12 touchdowns on the ground.

While considered talented, Evans might have benefited from staying in school another year, with one AFC regional scout telling NFL Media’s Lance Zierlein, “No idea why he came out early. No idea. He's not even close to being ready and it's a shame because he's one of those players who almost for sure would have gotten better with another year of learning."

Evans takes the place of quarterback Joe Callahan on the practice squad. The Packers signed Callahan to their 53-man roster Monday to be the primary backup to Brett Hundley.

Those expecting the Packers to bring in a veteran such as Colin Kaepernick to replace Rodgers, who suffered a broken collarbone Sunday at Minnesota, likely were disappointed when coach Mike McCarty angrily rejected the notion Monday.

“Did you just listen to the question I just answered?” McCarthy snarled after having voiced support for the quarterbacks already on his roster during a news conference. “I’ve got three years invested in Brett Hundley, two years invested in Joe Callahan. The quarterback room is exactly where it needs to be, OK?

“We’re fortunate to have a great quarterback in Aaron Rodgers. We’re committed to the path that we’re on. We need to play better as a football team. Brett Hundley, he’ll be starting this week and Joe Callahan will be the backup.”