The Raiders' receiving corps continues to change.
On Thursday, Oakland released veteran receiver J.J. Nelson and re-signed Marcell Ateman, the team announced in a statement. The Raiders also announced they re-signed offensive tackle Lester Cotton Jr. to their practice squad.
The Raiders had high hopes for Nelson, who showed flashes early on in training camp. Head coach Jon Gruden and quarterback Derek Carr viewed Nelson's speed as a huge weapon, but the receiver got injured in Oakland's second preseason game and never could get fully healthy.
Stay in the game with the latest updates on your beloved Bay Area and California sports teams! Sign up here for our All Access Daily newsletter.
Nelson missed the Raiders' Weeks 1 and 2 games before being activated for Week 3. Nelson caught a touchdown pass during the Raiders' Week 3 loss to the Vikings. He couldn't stay healthy, though, and was inactive for both Weeks 4 and 5.
The Raiders' receiving corps has been in constant flux ever since Antonio Brown was released prior to the start of the season. Oakland recently acquired Zay Jones in a trade with the Buffalo Bills and released Ateman in a corresponding move. But with Nelson still hurting, Gruden and general manager Mike Mayock elected to bring back a guy with intimate knowledge of their system.
[RELATED: Raiders showing signs of progress after strong start to season]
The Raiders enter their bye week at 3-2. They will rest up and look to get healthy before taking on the Packers in Week 7.