Suddenly needing linebacker help, the Green Bay Packers tried out five players at the position Tuesday, league sources told NFL Network insider Jason La Canfora.
Former Dallas Cowboys linebacker Steve Octavien headed a group that also featured Dominic Douglas, Cardia Jackson, Mike Rivera, Lee Robinson.
One or more of those players could be signed as the Packers weigh their options. Starting linebacker Nick Barnett has a wrist injury that needs surgery and could sideline him for the remainder of the season, and backup Brandon Chillar missed last Sunday's loss to the Washington Redskins because of a shoulder ailment.
Criticized in some circles for not acquiring Marshawn Lynch, whom the Buffalo Bills dealt to the Seattle Seahawks last week, the Packers tried out veteran running back Aaron Stecker on Tuesday. Brandon Jackson has been the regular starter for Green Bay after the team lost Ryan Grant to a season-ending ankle injury in the opener last month.
Stecker has 1,526 yards rushing and 1,175 yards receiving in 10 seasons with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2000-03), New Orleans Saints (2004-08) and Atlanta Falcons (2009). He also has scored 12 total touchdowns.
Other notable tryouts Tuesday, according to the sources:
» The Houston Texans looked at quarterbacks Colt Brennan and Jarrett Brown, possibly to upgrade their backup situation (Dan Orlovsky and Matt Leinart are behind starter Matt Schaub). The team also brought in four experienced wide receivers -- Reggie Brown, Derek Hagan, Dexter Jackson, Demetrius Williams -- and might need help in case Jacoby Jones misses another game because of a calf injury.
» The New York Giants brought in five veterans who are still looking for work: running backs Deon Anderson and Justin Fargas, tight end Derek Schouman and guards Manny Ramirez and Donald Thomas. Linebacker Chris McCoy and defensive end Ross Weaver also tried out for the team.
» The Philadelphia Eagles took another look at wide receiver Kelley Washington, whom they cut last month before the season opener. Washington had career highs in receptions (34) and yards (431) for the Baltimore Ravens last season, and he scored two touchdowns.
» The Tennessee Titans worked out former Eagles safeties Quintin Demps and Macho Harris, as well as ex-New Orleans Saints defensive end Bobby McCray and former Cleveland Browns linebacker David Veikune.
