Packers claim WR Chris Harper from 49ers

Published Oct. 18, 2013 5:40 p.m. ET

foxsports

GREEN BAY, Wis. -- With Randall Cobb out until at least Week 15 and the status of James Jones in question, the Green Bay Packers added a wide receiver to their active roster late Friday. The Packers claimed Chris Harper off waivers from the San Francisco 49ers, releasing running back Michael Hill to clear the necessary roster spot.

Harper, listed at 6-foot-1 and 228 pounds, was a fourth-round pick by the Seattle Seahawks earlier this year. After Harper didn't make Seattle's active roster before the regular season, the 49ers signed him. However, Harper was inactive for all six of San Francisco's games this season and was waived Thursday. That gave Green Bay a chance to add the additional receiver they've been looking for after injuries hit that group hard in the win over Baltimore last weekend.

Harper initially began his college career as a quarterback at Oregon, but he converted to receiver and transferred to Kansas State after one season. As a senior, Harper had 58 receptions for 857 yards and three touchdowns.

The Packers could sign Hill back to the practice squad next week. Hill appeared in two games with Green Bay this season, contributing one kickoff return for 19 yards.

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