Packers: WR/returner Randall Cobb's offensive role expands

He's said it since the day he was drafted. Stuck by it like a company line and reiterated the refrain through good times and bad, touchdowns and fumbles.

Randall Cobb will do whatever he's asked and, when new opportunities come, he'll make the most of them.

Last year, in his rookie season, the second-round pick from Kentucky was a return man who moonlighted as a wide receiver. He scored two touchdowns on returns, finishing second in the league in kickoff-return average (27.7). As a receiver, he caught 25 balls for 375 yards, scoring once. On Sunday against the 49ers, with increased playing time, Cobb made a big impact on offense. He caught nine passes for 77 yards, both career highs. Operating out of the slot, he used his quickness to get open underneath and made defenders miss with tight turns and shifty feet.

Cobb also made sure his enhanced offensive responsibilities didn't come at the expense of his special teams dynamism, returning a fourth-quarter punt 75 yards for a touchdown, the third return score of his young career.

Though he was the fifth wide receiver last season, Cobb maintained he'd be ready and productive when his time came. He reminded reporters of that again Sunday.

“Like I've always said, whenever I get the opportunity, I'm going to try and take advantage of those opportunities and hopefully continue to do that and continue to have success,” he said after the game.

QB Aaron Rodgers was supportive of Cobb's expanded role in the offense.

“That's what we've been talking a lot about,” Rodgers said. “[Cobb's] a big-time player, a great punt returner obviously. We're going to try to find ways to get him matched up on positive mismatches for him out there [on offense]. The more opportunities we can give him in space, there's a lot of good plays out there he had.”

Cobb's 75-yard touchdown return was an electrifying run-back that showed off his vision, acceleration and elusiveness. The 49ers challenged the play, arguing Cobb stepped out of bounds as he ran along the sideline, but a replay review upheld the score. There was also a flag thrown, presumably for a Packers block in the back, but it was picked up without penalty.

“I just saw the field open up to the wide side and just tried racing to the sidelines,” Cobb said. “I got three good blocks on the way. I saw the flag and I was hoping they didn't call it, and luckily they didn't.

“When I [saw] the kicker, I knew I had a chance [to score] if I could set the kicker up and beat the kicker. You're taught as a returner that if you get tackled by the kicker then you've got some problems, so I was just trying to do everything I could to get to the end zone.”

Cobb, who played quarterback for a year in college, is a versatile, big-play threat who has forced the hands of Packers coaches. His move up to the No. 4 receiver on the depth chart came at the expense of veteran Donald Driver, who didn't play until the game's final drive. As long as Cobb can avoid ball security problems -- he had three fumbles on returns last season and lost one as a receiver in the preseason -- he should continue to earn more playing time.

Follow Packers reporter James Carlton on Twitter: @CBSPackers and @jimmycarlton88.