Adding depth in the backfield and filling the roster spot made available by Najeh Davenport's move to injured reserve, the Packers signed fifth-year veteran running back Jay Graham, GM/Head Coach Mike Sherman announced Thursday.
Most recently with the Seattle Seahawks, Graham was a third-round draft choice of the Baltimore Ravens in the 1997 NFL Draft. As a rookie, he played in 13 games, starting three, and compiled 299 yards rushing and two touchdowns on 81 carries (3.7 avg.). He also made 12 receptions for 51 yards (4.3 avg.).
An ankle injury limited Graham to only five games his sophomore season, before being sent to injured reserve. And in 1999 he saw only special teams duty.
Graham missed all of the 2000 season before signing with Seattle. In 2001, he played in 11 games, taking 12 carries for 43 yards (3.6 avg.).
Graham also has experience returning kickoffs. Last season he had three returns worth a combined 56 yards (18.7 avg.). As a rookie at Baltimore in 1997, he had 115 return yards on six attempts (19.2 avg.). And in 1998 he made three returns for 52 yards (17.3 avg.).
An official press release will follow.
