Packers place Jason Spriggs on IR, sign Emanuel Byrd off practice squad

The Green Bay Packers made a pair of related roster moves on Tuesday, placed offensive tackle Jason Spriggs on injured reserve and signing tight end Emanuel Byrd off the practice squad to fill the opening on the 53-man roster.

Spriggs spent most of the season on injured reserve but returned in November as one of the Packers' two players designated for return. He ended up starting five games at right tackle before suffering a knee injury this past Saturday against the Minnesota Vikings. Green Bay has described the injury as serious, suggesting that Spriggs could soon undergo surgery to repair the damage.

Byrd spent training camp and the preseason with Packers but failed to make the opening-season roster. Byrd returned to the team as a member of the practice squad on Nov. 3 and has remained there until Tuesday's promotion.

The Packers filled Byrd's spot on the practice squad with Wisconsin-Whitewater wideout Jake Kumerow.