Nelson finishes with Packers
Jordy Nelson’s NFL career ended in the same place where it began: Lambeau Field.
Nelson signed a one-day contract with the Packers yesterday and announced his retirement after 11 seasons, 10 of which he spent in Green Bay.
“I’ll be remembered as a Packer,” the 34-year-old wide receiver said. “Obviously I enjoyed my year last year in Oakland. But this is where I started and it’s great to come back and end it that way.”
Nelson was known for his speed, size and chemistry with quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who was the starter for Nelson’s entire tenure in Green Bay. Rodgers’ face lit up as he spoke about his former teammate, who shook hands with both Packers and Texans players following the teams’ joint practice.
“Just the little things, the unspoken connection, the back-shoulder throws, the ability to throw it out to a spot and know he’s going to be there,” Rodgers said. “We just always had that little ability to click on the field. Excited about him in four years. I said, ‘I hope I’m on the short list of guys to introduce you for the Packer Hall of Fame.’”
Jets shorthanded
It appears the New York Jets might open their preseason schedule without a few starters.
Wide receiver Quincy Enunwa injured his groin during practice and was set to have tests. Coach Adam Gase did not seem overly concerned, but Enunwa’s status is uncertain for the preseason opener tomorrow night against the Giants.
Defensive lineman Leonard Williams has missed two straight practices with a hip injury and seems unlikely to play. Gase said Williams was working on an anti-gravity treadmill during practice.
Bills lose Gaines
Buffalo Bills cornerback EJ Gaines is out indefinitely with a groin injury.
Coach Sean McDermott didn’t reveal the severity of the injury, but said Gaines is expected to miss a number of weeks. Gaines missed one practice after being hurt Sunday.
He’s a fifth-year player who was competing for the starting job opposite Tre’Davious White.
Buffalo also shuffled its offensive line by placing LaAdrian Waddle on injured reserve, and signing Jarron Jones.
Broncos make up
A day after Broncos wide receivers Emmanuel Sanders and Courtland Sutton fought at training camp, the pair who threw punches and water bottles at each other presented a unified front, joking that their next bout will be on pay-per-view for a cool $69.99.
Neither gave any details about what led to the tussle, but both said they had put the disagreement to rest.
Newton to sit out
Cam Newton’s return to game action will have to wait.
Panthers coach Ron Rivera said Newton and linebacker Luke Kuechly will not play in tomorrow night’s preseason opener against the Bears in Chicago, adding he’s being extra cautious with both players.
Newton is working his way back into form after having arthroscopic surgery on his right shoulder in January, while Kuechly missed time last week after he got “rolled up on” during practice. The six-time Pro Bowl linebacker wouldn’t disclose the exact nature of the injury.
McKinnon back
Running back Jerick McKinnon is back on the field for the 49ers nearly a year after a torn right ACL prematurely ended his first season in San Francisco.
McKinnon participated in position drills after being removed from the physically unable to perform list. He practiced carrying the ball and running routes but the 49ers didn’t allow him to take part in 11-on-11 drills.