Packers place Sean Richardson on IR, promote Justin Perillo to 53

As expected, a second serious neck injury has ended the season of safety Sean Richardson. On Wednesday, the Green Bay Packers announced their decision to place the defensive back on injured reserve, promoting tight end Justin Perillo to the 53-man roster. The team also signed cornerback Kyle Sebetic to the practice squad.

Richardson suffered a neck injury during the week of practice leading up to Green Bay's Week 5 tilt with the St. Louis Rams. According to reports, the injury is related to the one that required fusion surgery and cost him a significant portion of the 2013 season. Some believe that this latest setback could result in Richardson's retirement, though the team has made no such indication at this time. Fellow safety Chris Banjo has taken over most of Richardson's responsibilities on defense, including his hybrid safety-linebacker role in Dom Caper's "Big Okie" package.

As for the Packers' corresponding moves, Perillo rejoins a roster that had only two healthy tight ends. He served on the team's practice squad for most of 2014 before earning a Week 11 promotion. Perillo had a solid training camp and preseason, but saw his chances of making the season-opening 53 diminish after suffering a concussion. Sebetic, who also worked with the team before the season began, can play a number of spots in the secondary.