GREEN BAY, Wis. -- The Green Bay Packers released seven players, placed five others on injured reserve and traded one by Tuesday’s deadline to reduce their roster to 75 players. Here’s a closer look at the first cuts:

Most significant move: General manager Ted Thompson doesn’t sign many veteran free agents, which made it surprising to see him trade outside linebacker Lerentee McCray to the Bills on Tuesday for a 2018 draft pick. McCray, who played last season for the Broncos, received only a $50,000 signing bonus as part of his one-year deal with the Packers, but he also had a $75,000 workout bonus. Still, the Packers were deep enough at outside linebacker to let him go. It’s also a sign that Jayrone Elliott, who has a hamstring injury, will make the final cut.

A new No. 3: The Packers had high hopes for John Crockett, who likely would’ve held on to the No. 3 running back spot behind Eddie Lacy and James Starks. But a shoulder injury in last week’s preseason game at San Francisco changed all that. With Crockett on injured reserve and likely headed for an injury settlement, it leaves undrafted rookie Brandon Burks -- or someone not currently on the roster -- as the third back.

Offensive line depth: Twice last season, Josh Walker saw significant playing time -- 32 snaps at right guard in place of T.J. Lang against the Rams and 26 snaps combined at right guard and right tackle against Arizona. But a sprained MCL in his right knee on the final snap of the Aug. 18 preseason game against the Raiders landed him on IR. Walker likely was competing for a roster spot with Don Barclay and Lane Taylor.

Packers moves: Waived -- DT Demetris Anderson, CB Randall Jette, WR Jamel Johnson, LB Derrick Mathews, P Peter Mortell, WR Ed Williams, WR Harvey Binford. Injured reserve -- TE Kennard Backman, C Jacob Flores, TE Mitchell Henry, Crockett, Walker. Traded -- McCray.