The New Orleans Saints signed Nelson as an undrafted free agent out of New Mexico State in 2011. He spent time with the San Diego Chargers and Washington Redskins before signing with the 49ers on July 25, 2014. Before that, Nelson had two other offseason stints with San Francisco, in 2012 and 2013. During both instances, the 49ers released him before the start of the regular season.
Nelson, a seven-year veteran, appeared in every game (76 games) with San Francisco since joining the team in 2014. He was suspended 10 games starting in December for violating the NFL policy on performance-enhancing substances. It was his second violation with the first occurring during his rookie year in 2011.
The suspension, which has six games remaining, will carry over to the 2019 season.
"Hopefully this serves as a reminder to all of our players that they need to take the proper steps to know exactly what they are putting in their bodies," general manager John Lynch said via a statement in December.
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