"Long-snappers -- we’re different,’’ said Kyle Nelson, who was signed to the Eagles' practice squad on Tuesday because the regular long-snapper, Jon Dorenbos, is questionable for Sunday’s NFC East showdown with the New York Giants because of a high-ankle sprain.
The Eagles signed Nelson because there is no such thing as a second-string long-snapper, and their designated backup, TE Brent Celek, has never done it in a game.
Coach Andy Reid was aware that a couple of teams have been hurt this season because their long-snapper got hurt, and he didn’t want that to happen to his team.
Nelson said he started long-snapping in high school at his father’s insistence and even though he wasn’t crazy about the idea then, it’s paid off since. He also played tight end at New Mexico, catching 66 passes for 559 yards and two touchdowns, but long-snapping was his ticket to the NFL. He’s also had stints with the Saints, Chiefs and 49ers.
Nelson said every time he works out for a new team, he sees familiar faces.
“Long-snappers have a certain camaraderie with each other,’’ he said. “There are a lot of us out there and there aren’t a lot of jobs available, so we always see each other [at tryouts]. We’ll even go out to lunch together. They’re really a great group of guys.”
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