The Packers would love to not have to use Randall Cobb on punt returns.
But they haven’t found anyone better to do it.
According to Weston Hodkiewicz of the Green Bay Press-Gazette, special teams coach Shawn Slocum said Cobb and Micah Hyde are the options, and Cobb’s first on the depth chart for a reason.
Before becoming an offensive star in 2012, Cobb was a solid return man, averaging 25.0 yards per kickoff and 9.9 yards per punt with two touchdowns. He only caught one punt for no gain in the preseason for no gain.
While it’s certainly a risk to put a player — especially a player in a contract year — on special teams, the Packers don’t seem to have a problem.
Coach Mike McCarthy said earlier this year they had to “get away from that thinking” that they can’t use their best players on returns.
As long as Cobb can safely navigate them on his way to his wide receiver payday, he should he happy to help.
