Ex-Titan Abbott Loses Kicking Job to Nelson

Former Cal State Fullerton kicker Vince Abbott’s hopes of returning to the NFL were dashed when the San Francisco 49ers signed former Ram Chuck Nelson to handle kickoffs in Monday’s exhibition game against the Denver Broncos.

Abbott and Nelson had tryouts last week at the 49ers training camp in Rocklin, Calif. The 49ers had been seeking a kicker since Mike Cofer missed last Saturday’s exhibition against the Raiders because of a pulled left hip muscle.

Nelson, 30, was the Rams’ fourth-round draft choice in 1983. He kicked for the Bills in 1984 and the Vikings from 1986-1988.