The Green Bay Packers have picked up a pair of linebackers, claiming Diryal Briggs off waivers from Denver and signing Matt Wilhelm.
Briggs was released on Monday, a week after being promoted from the Broncos practice squad. The 6-4, 250-pound outside linebacker entered the league in 2009 as an undrafted free agent from Bowling Green.
Wilhelm his entering his eighth season in the league. The 6-2, 249-pound inside linebacker was originally drafted out of Ohio State by San Diego. He played the 2009 season with the 49ers and was among their final roster cuts, this season.
The 29-year-old Wilhelm has started 22 games in his career, with his best season coming in 2007, when he recorded 97 tackles, one sack and three interceptions.
To acquire the two players, the Packers officially placed defensive end Mike Neal and linebacker Brady Poppinga on injured reserve. The team also released linebacker Maurice Simpkins, so they currently have one open roster spot, which could be used to bring either Al Harris or Atari Bigby off the physically unable to perform list, this week.
Simpkins could be re-signed to the practice squad if he clears waivers.
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