KIRKLAND, Wash. -- The Seattle Seahawks placed Pro Bowl fullback Mack Strong on injured reserve on Wednesday and signed veteran fullback Fred McCrary, who played with Atlanta last season.
Strong, 36 and in his 15th season, said Monday he will retire immediately after learning that a herniated disk in his neck is pinching his spinal cord. He left last weekend's loss at Pittsburgh after a routine hit early in the game caused a burning sensation down his arms and legs.
McCrary began his career with Philadelphia in 1995 and played three seasons with Atlanta before the Falcons allowed him to become a free agent after last season. He has also played with New Orleans (1997), Seattle's opponent Sunday night, San Diego (1999-2002) and New England ('03).
McCrary will initially back up Leonard Weaver. Seahawks coach Mike Holmgren has said Weaver, an undrafted free agent and college tight end, will be the new primary blocking back for struggling runner Shaun Alexander.
Stutz, a second-year veteran released last week by Atlanta, snapped in 20 games for the Falcons. Rackley's poor snaps this season have caused a blocked punt and another partially blocked one.
Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press