Seahawks release former Green Beret Nate Boyer

RENTON, Wash. (AP) The Seattle Seahawks released long snapper and U.S. Army veteran Nate Boyer.

With backup quarterback Tarvaris Jackson suffering a high-ankle sprain in Seattle's preseason opener against the Denver Broncos, the Seahawks needed an additional arm in training camp. The team signed former Kansas State quarterback Jake Waters to provide additional depth behind Russell Wilson.

Boyer, 34, was signed by Seattle as an undrafted free agent in May. He played five snaps against the Broncos on Friday night.

''First play in, we get a turnover. The second play, we kick a field goal. That's pretty good for the start of his NFL career,'' head coach Pete Carroll said Friday night. ''He had a ball. It was really fun seeing him there and he did a very solid job for the whole night.''

Boyer was the snapper for a 24-yard Steven Hauschka field goal, an extra point and three snaps on the punt team.

Boyer was competing with incumbent Clint Gresham for the starting long snapper job. He was a long shot to make Seattle's roster as Gresham signed a new three-year contract with the team this offseason.

Boyer did tours in Afghanistan and Iraq and was a member of the Green Berets.

Boyer walked on to the football program at Texas and eventually won the starting job. He was the long snapper for the Longhorns his final three seasons.

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