Harper, Rettig among 7 Packers released

The Green Bay Packers announced the release of seven players today, the most notable being wide receiver Chris Harper.

Also released were wide receiver Gerrard Sheppard, quarterback Chase Rettig, safety Charles Clay, cornerback Antonio Dennard, fullback Ina Liaina and linebacker Korey Jones. All seven players are eligible for the practice squad.

Harper was picked up last season after being cut by the Seattle Seahawks and the San Francisco 49ers, both of which tried to convert the college receiver into an H-back. He appeared in four games for Green Bay last season and recorded two special teams tackles.

He and Sheppard were in a battle with Jeff Janis, Myles White, Kevin Dorsey and Alex Gillett for the No. 5 receiver spot.

Rettig was the fourth quarterback, but with training camp winding down, his arm isn't as necessary as it was earlier in camp.

Clay and Dennard are the first to go in a crowded secondary, which includes Tramon Williams, Sam Shields, Casey Hayward, Davon House, Jarrett Bush, Jumal Rolle and Ryan White at cornerback, and Morgan Burnett, Micah Hyde, Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, Sean Richardson, Chris Banjo and Tanner Miller at safety.

Liaina's release likely means John Kuhn's job is safe, while Jones was a late-July acquisition.

The moves leave the Packers with 81 players on their active roster, including Don Barclay, Jared Abbrederis and B.J. Raji, who all sustained what appear to be season-ending injuries. Colt Lyerla is on injured reserve and is not included in the 81.

The Packers must get down to 75 players by Tuesday. With Barclay, Abbrederis and Raji likely headed for IR, they'll need to make three more moves.