GREEN BAY, Wis. -- John Crockett isn't a rookie anymore. So why did he have to carry James Starks' jersey and shoulder pads off the field after Saturday's practice?
Well, the Green Bay Packers running back is not exactly a veteran, either.
Technically, Crockett is considered a first-year player by the NFL since he didn't play enough games to accrue a fully credited season. He appeared in only two regular-season games as a rookie after he was promoted from the practice squad on Dec. 2.
So, there was Crockett, fulfilling one of the duties usually reserved for Packers rookies.
First-year running back John Crockett's post-practice duties include carrying James... https://t.co/JHKXJnhLh7 pic.twitter.com/X1zbCOLT95
— Rob Demovsky (@RobDemovsky) July 30, 2016
"In their eyes, I'm still a rookie until my third game," Crockett said after practice. "Actually, Starks is really good with it. But we've got two rookie behind me [Brandon Burks and Brandon Ross], and old Crock is still carrying it."
It's also another sign that Crockett is far from established as the team's No. 3 running back. He showed some effectiveness in his debut against the Detroit Lions last year (the Hail Mary game) when Eddie Lacy was benched for missing curfew the night before. Crockett, a former undrafted free agent from North Dakota State, rushed five times for 22 yards against the Lions.
This offseason, Packers coach Mike McCarthy expects more, saying Crockett's "redshirt season is over."
Crockett tried to add bulk to his 6-foot frame this spring but said he actually came back to training camp lighter than he was this offseason.
Crockett said he feels more comfortable in his second NFL training camp.
"Definitely getting that first year in the books is helpful because I'm able to understand what my role is," Crockett said.
For now, that's apparently still carrying a veteran's shoulder pads.