Oct. 29, 1963 - The Green Bay Packers have paid $100 for quarterback insurance. The NFL champions bought themselves the quarterback insurance today against a delay in the healing of Bart Starr’s broken hand when they claimed 31-year-old Zeke Bratkowski for the $100 waiver price from the Los Angeles Rams. Bratkwoski (left with Rams coach Bob Waterfield in 1961) an eight-year veteran of the NFL, left immediately for Green Bay and planned to work out this week as an understudy to John Roach. Roach moved up to the No. 1 signal-calling job after Starr was injured in the St. Louis game Oct. 20. Defensive back Howie Williams was placed on waivers to make room for Bratkowski, who previously spent five years with the Bears and three with the Rams. He shared the Los Angeles quarterback job this season with Roman Gabriel and Terry Baker. Bratkowski completed 45 of 82 passes for 471 yards and three touchdowns before he was benched in favor of Gabriel two weeks ago. The Packers did not comment on the deal, but the conclusion was that, since they did not put Starr on the injured list, it is apparent he may be ready in less than four weeks.
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