Packers drop Harris, promote Crockett

DETROIT - The Green Bay Packers swapped third-string running backs Thursday, releasing Alonzo Harris and promoting John Crockett from their practice squad.

Both rookies signed with the Packers as undrafted free agents last May, with the more acclaimed Crockett getting a $5,000 signing bonus and Harris signing for $3,500.

An ankle injury sidelined Crockett for the latter half of the offseason program. The 6-foot, 217-pound running back returned in time for training camp, but the Packers settled on the 6-foot-1, 237-pound Harris, who had 21 carries for 85 yards and a touchdown in the preseason.

Harris, who played primarily on special teams, had four carries for 19 yards during the regular season. He has been inactive in the two games since Eddie Lacy returned from the groin injury that sidelined him for the Packers first game against Detroit on Nov. 15.

Crockett had 26 carries for 97 yards and a touchdown in the preseason. A record-setting running back at North Dakota State, Crockett possesses a different running style than Harris, whose power closely resembled that of Lacy and James Starks.

The Packers didn’t activate tight end Andrew Quarless for Thursday night's rematch against the Lions. Quarless returned to practice this week from the sprained MCL he suffered Week 3 against Kansas City.

If he clears waivers, the Packers could re-sign Harris back to the practice squad. He's only the second player to be released from the team's 53-man roster this season, joining defensive lineman Bruce Gaston.