GREEN BAY, Wis. -- Would you use your $40 million receiver on punt returns?

Randall Cobb, the said receiver, would.

"You can get drilled catching the ball across the middle," Cobb said. "What’s the difference?"

There's some validity to what Cobb said, especially considering the lone major injury of his four-year career -- the broken leg that cost him 10 games in 2013 -- came at the end of a 15-yard reception against the Baltimore Ravens.

To be sure, Cobb hasn't been the Green Bay Packers' full-time return man since 2012. In his first two seasons combined, he had three returns for touchdowns (two punts, one kickoff). Since then, the Packers have used him selectively on returns. The four-year, $40 million contract Cobb signed in March apparently will have no impact on that.

"Special teams is important," Cobb said. "We understand offense puts the points on the board a lot of the times. Defense, they're going to make the stops. But special teams, one play can change the outcome of the game. I feel like I can make a big return. We have guys that can make big returns as well, but we bring different kinds of return ability to the table. So just being able to use us in different ways, and it's all about field position. We're trying to create better field position for our offense."

During Friday's practice, Cobb took the second turn behind defensive back Micah Hyde (who has three career punt returns for touchdowns in two seasons) during the punt return drill.

"Nothing's changed," Cobb said. "I definitely would like to be out there if I'm needed, and if my number's called, I'll be back there."

Special teams coordinator Ron Zook will run other potential returners through the drills -- with fellow receivers Jared Abbrederis and Ty Montgomery as the most likely candidates -- but if coach Mike McCarthy is as committed to using his best players on special teams as he says he is, then don't be surprised to see Cobb share in the return duties again.

"At the end of the day, when you're designing plays and you're looking at distribution of opportunities you want to give Randall the ball," McCarthy said. "So he's definitely an option as a punt returner."