Jack Nelson has regrettable preseason game with Falcons as roster cuts loom

Former Wisconsin Badger Jack Nelson had a regrettable second preseason game for the Atlanta Falcons against the Tennessee Titans. A game in which he was thrust into a bigger role. He had multiple holding calls against him that cost the Falcons yardage, and he struggled to be confident in his blocks.

While roster cuts loom for the NFL, it was a bad time to have a rookie game, especially for a seventh-round pick fighting for a spot. While fans on social media were frustrated with him (I wouldn't recommend searching his name on X), it wasn't all bad; there were some good plays for Nelson. Two in particular came in the run-blocking.

Jack Nelson is hoping his potential outweighs his performance after week 2 of the preseason

He didn't have a great first NFL preseason week either against the Lions, as he also seemed to struggle to find his footing. Yet, in practice and training camp, he's finding opportunities to get first team reps. Some of that is due to injury, some of that is due to potential. The Falcons seem to like the rawness of Nelson, but he's struggling in games so far.

It's hard to see Nelson struggle, as he was a standout performer for Wisconsin for years. He was a multi-year starter playing both at guard and tackle, but ending his time in Madison as the starting left tackle. However, he didn't go high in the NFL draft as scouts were worried about some of his NFL readiness, and that seems to be showing now.

Now that roster cuts are around the corner, he will really need to showcase that he has at least the potential to be an NFL lineman to keep a roster spot. Seventh-round picks are often hit or miss, and Falcon fans are wondering if Nelson is simply a miss. Joe Huber, on the other hand, is having the opposite effect.

Nelson has one more opportunity to show fans and coaches that he's a fit for the roster or practice squad next week against the Cowboys.