Shawn

Nelson

New England also tried out free agent DBs Prince Miller, Mana Silva and Josh Victorian. Nelson is not a blocker, and the Pats already have two elite pass catchers at tight end. Nelson may have been brought in simply to provide information on his former team Buffalo, whom New England is hosting in Week 3.

The Jets worked out Nelson on Tuesday and are in the market for a “move” tight end with Jeff Cumberland (Achilles) on injured reserve. A fourth-round pick in 2009, Nelson managed 20 receptions for 181 yards and one touchdown in 17 career games with the Bills before being waived this preseason.

Nelson brings some pass-catching ability to the table, but won’t see the field much barring a Dustin Keller injury. His main role this week will be to get the Jets up to speed on their Week 9 opponent, the Bills. Nelson spent the first two seasons of his career in Buffalo.

A source tells Newsday’s Rod Boone that Nelson’s migraine problems have resurfaced of late. The same problem ended Nelson’s season prematurely last year.

The 2009 fourth-rounder recorded 20 receptions for 181 yards and a touchdown in 17 career games with the Bills over two seasons. It’s worth noting the Jets square off against Nelson’s former team after the Week 8 bye.

Shouman is still recovering from a torn meniscus suffered early last season. Shawn Nelson is the favorite to start this year for Buffalo.

This is a perfect fit for Nelson, who only has to beat out H-back types Derek Schouman and Derek Fine to start. Nelson showed willingness as a blocker at the Senior Bowl and some projected him as a first-round talent, but when teams flipped on the film they didn’t see the same desire. Still, he has the frame to grow into a three-down tight end and is a ready-made pass catcher. He could be a late TE2 in Buffalo from day one.

Coach Dick Jauron is taking the fourth-rounder’s absence in stride: “None of it is mandatory ... Sometimes they can’t be here and they have issues they need to take care of. That’s fine.” Jauron expects Nelson to return for practices next week.

Nelson has higher fantasy upside than Derek Fine and Derek Schouman, but he’s behind them going into training camp. Though he’s not close to being ready as a blocker, Nelson can contribute on third downs and especially in the red zone.

Nelson’s contract parameters are now in place after fellow TE Anthony Hill signed with Houston. Hill was taken one pick after Nelson. Nelson missed a good portion of OTAs with “personal problems.”