Impact Nelson was with Indianapolis in training camp and landed on injured reserve in early August, but he's now been let go. The 29-year-old will be free to sign elsewhere as long as he can pass a physical examination.
NOVEMBER 1, 2021 • ROTOWIRE
J.J. NELSON
Parts ways with Indy Nelson (groin) was waived off injured reserve by the Colts on Monday, Aaron Wilson of Sportstalk 790 Houston reports.
Shifts to IR The Colts placed Nelson (groin) on injured reserve Friday.
Impact Nelson was a rotational contributor for the Cardinals from 2015-18, but in 2019 he only logged two games with the Raiders, and in 2020 he failed to make San Francisco's roster. Now on IR due to a groin injury picked up early during training camp, the veteran speedster's chances of reestablishing a role in the NFL are looking increasingly slim.
AUGUST 6, 2021 • ROTOWIRE
Signs with Indy Nelson has signed a reserve/future contract with the Colts.
Impact A 2015 fifth-round pick, Nelson spent his first four seasons with the Cardinals, catching 81 passes for 1,439 yards and 10 touchdowns in 56 regular-season games. He made just two appearances for the Raiders in 2019 and then was released by the 49ers in September 2020, so it won't be easy for the veteran speedster to reestablish himself in the NFL. Nelson ran a 4.28-second 40-yard dash back in 2015, but he's probably lost a step or two as he approaches his 29th birthday in April.
FEBRUARY 1, 2021 • ROTOWIRE
Quick exit from practice squad Nelson, who was signed to Buffalo's practice squad Friday, was let go Monday, Dante Lasting of the Bills' official site reports.
Impact The Bills finally recruited Kenny Stills to serve as depth for the playoffs, so with that move and the addition of Josh Allen's former Wyoming teammate Tanner Gentry, there was no room left at the inn for Nelson.
JANUARY 4, 2021 • ROTOWIRE
49ers Re-Sign DL Alex Barett; Place WR J.J. Nelson on Injured Reserve The 49ers have re-signed a defensive lineman and place a wideout on injured reserve.
AUGUST 30, 2020 • 49ERS.COM
Shifts to IR Nelson (knee) was placed on injured reserve Sunday, Eric Branch of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.
Impact Nelson was expected to miss somewhere between two weeks and a month, and according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, this could mark the end of Nelson's short stint with San Francisco, as the team will likely cut him with an injury settlement once he's healthy. The 28-year-old wide receiver wasn't expected to have a major role on offense, but he was expected to be a returner.
AUGUST 30, 2020 • ROTOWIRE
Will miss 2-4 weeks Nelson is slated to miss two weeks to a month due to a knee injury, Matt Barrows of The Athletic reports.
Impact Though Nelson wasn't necessarily ticketed for a big role in the 49ers offense, his absence further taxes the depth of the team's banged-up wideout corps. Once he's back, the speedster will look top carve out a depth pass-catcher/return role with San Francisco.
AUGUST 28, 2020 • ROTOWIRE
ON FOOTBALL: Planning, patience a must to replace players
Replacing an NFL player because of injury or play usually is as easy as a phone call and a plane rideAUGUST 27, 2020 • ASSOCIATED PRESS
Officially links up with Niners Nelson signed a contract with the 49ers on Saturday, Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports Bay Area reports.
Impact Nelson, who has compiled 100 total yards over the past two seasons with the Cardinals and Raiders, was once regarded as one of the fastest players in the NFL and makes for an intriguing specialist in the Niners' passing game given the team's reliance on motioning wide receivers to set up different plays. Deebo Samuel, who is expected to miss all of training camp as he recovers from offseason foot surgery, posted 159 rushing yards across 14 carries last season in a similar role, although Nelson could also earn a spot on the 53-man roster as a return specialist after Travis Benjamin opted out of the 2020 campaign.
AUGUST 15, 2020 • ROTOWIRE
