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SUN., AUG 17, 2008 - 1:30 AM
Packers notes: Nelson impressive on kick returns
By JASON WILDE
608-252-6176
jwilde@madison.com
SAN FRANCISCO — Rookie wide receiver Jordy Nelson didn't do much with his opportunity on offense, but he certainly thrust himself into the competition for the kickoff return job during the Green Bay Packers' 34-6 preseason loss to the San Francisco 49ers Saturday night.
Nelson, who played extensively from scrimmage with starting receiver Greg Jennings (knee) and No. 4 receiver Ruvell Martin (jaw) out but only had two catches for 10 yards, had 56- and 58-yard kickoff returns in the second half.
"The return game looked good. The guys up front were able to open up some holes and I was able to get a crease a couple times," said Nelson, who did not return kickoffs in college. "It was a way to get a big play and put our offense in a good situation."
Except the offense didn't capitalize.
After a field goal gave the 49ers a 17-3 lead midway through the third quarter, Nelson returned the ensuing kickoff 56 yards, starting to his right, cutting back to his left, then breaking free of an incidental facemask around the Packers' 45-yard line before the kicker finally brought him down at the San Francisco 33.
Although the offense went nowhere — a holding penalty on rookie tight end Jermichael Finley got the possession off to a poor start — the return did set up a 49-yard Mason Crosby field goal.
Nelson followed that up with a 58-yard return early in the fourth quarter, but the Packers didn't score because quarterback Matt Flynn was blindsided on back-to-back plays by Tully Banta-Cain, who beat left tackle Daryn Colledge each time. Flynn fumbled both times, recovering the first but not the second.
Asked if he might contribute on returns given the logjam in front of him at receiver, Nelson said, "Obviously it'd be great, but I'm not going to say that I should be (the returner) or anything like that. It's a way to get on the field and help make plays and help the team win."
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