Packers Work Out Two Free Agent Kick Returners

Well this is hardly surprising.

Two days after cutting ties with receiver/kick returner Jeremy Ross, the Packers have brought in two potential replacements for workouts. Those players, defensive back B.J. Hill of the Green Bay Blizzard and former Georgia Tech running back Orwin Smith, each possess substantial kick return experience.

Hill's workout is perhaps the most interesting as it demonstrates GM Ted Thompson's willingness to look in unconventional places for football players. Hill is a four year veteran of the Indoor Football League, playing his college ball at Ball State. In 13 games, he amassed four return touchdowns and 695 return yards at a 23.2 clip.

While Smith hasn't been quite as prolific, he's produced fairly well in college. At Georgia Tech, he averaged 21.2 yards per return for a career total of 1613 yards. Additionally, Smith can double as a reserve running back in case some or all of Eddie Lacy, James Starks, and Johnathan Franklin are unable to play in future weeks.

At press, it does not appear that the Packers have signed either player. Regardless, this is the strongest indication yet that come week 5, the Packers' kick returner will be someone not currently on the roster.

Jason Hirschhorn covers the Green Bay Packers for Acme Packing Co. He has previously written for Lombardi Ave, College Hoops Net, LiveBall Sports, and the List Universe. He is also currently a senior writer for Beats Per Minute, an indie-music webzine. Follow him on Twitter: @JBHirschhorn