Thursday, December 20, 2012

McKelvin IRed after stellar punt return campaign

BY DAN BEGNOCHE

Leodis McKelvin's spectacular campaign at punt return will come to an end a little early, as the 27-year-old utility player was placed on Injured Reserve Thursday.

McKelvin has lead the league all season in punt return average, and he currently sits 10th on the all-time single-season list behind Lemar Parrish, who was the last to put up more than 18.7 yards per return back in 1974, according to Pro Football Reference. (photo: Matt Britt, Flickr)

The all-time leader in punt-return average is Jack Christiansen, who put up 21.5 a return with Detroit Lions in 1952.

McKelvin and the Bills are slated against two familiar special teams squads in the final two games of the season in the Miami Dolphins and New York Jets, both of which the return specialist has shown success against, so he would've had a good chance to climb up the list.

The will-be free agent returned two punts for touchdowns this season -- one against Kansas City Chiefs Week 2 and another Week 11 against the Dolphins.

McKelvin also ranked fourth in kick returning, averaging 28.3 yards.

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