Nate

McCrary

The Packers kept four running backs on the 53-man roster heading into the 2023 season including Aaron Jones, AJ Dillon, Tyler Goodsen and Emanuel Wilson. McCrary always had an uphill battle to make the team, likely deemed expendable for the work Goodsen and Wilson are expected to do on special teams. Also released or waived were TE Austin Allen, CB Corey Ballentine, LB Keshawn Banks, WR Jadakis Bonds, WR Cody Chrest, T Jean Delance, WR Grant DuBose, C James Empey, CB Tyrell Ford, S Innis Gaines, CB Elijah Hamilton, CB William Hooper, CB Shemar Jean-Charles, DL Jason Lewan, QB Alex McGough, WR Bo Melton, WR Dre Miller, LB Arron Mosby, DL Antonio Moultrie, LB Kenneth Odumegwu, LS Matt Orzech, FB Henry Pearson, LB Jimmy Phillips Jr., LB Marvin Pierre, S Benny Sapp III, C Cole Schneider, DL Chris Slayton, RB Patrick Taylor, T Kadeem Telfort, CB Kiondre Thomas and WR Duece Watts.

He was joined by (deep breath): Tevin Coleman, Nate McCrary, Abram Smith, La’Mical Perine, Godwin Igwebuike, and Marlon Mack. Sources have told us that LaMichael James was unavailable. The 49ers seem likely to add someone to their backfield mix behind Jeff Wilson while Elijah Mitchell recovers from his injury, and whoever that back is will have some break-in-case-of-emergency fantasy value in Kyle Shanahan’s offense.

Mark Ingram’s departure from the Baltimore backfield ensures Hill will head into 2021 as the RB3 in one of the NFL’s run heaviest offenses. It’s noteworthy because an injury to J.K. Dobbins or Gus Edwards would instantly open up snaps and touches for Hill, a much ballyhooed back in fantasy circles when Baltimore drafted him as a fourth rounder in 2019. Hill in 2020 had a meager 12 carries and five receptions. The team didn’t draft a running back but struck a free agent deal with RB Nate McCrary from Saginaw Valley State after the draft.

McCrary (6'1, 225), a track star, was signed as a priority free agent after the NFL Draft. In 33 collegiate games at Saginaw State, McCrary totaled 1,889 rushing yards and 28 touchdowns. He ranks fourth all-time on the team’s TDs list. The university didn’t have a football season in 2020 due to COVID-19.