A productive game against former NIU teammate Michael Turner’s San Diego Chargers couldn’t save P.J. Fleck from the chopping block when the San Francisco 49ers released him and 17 others on Sunday.

The free agent wide receiver caught a 17-yard pass from Ken Dorsey and returned a punt for 13 yards, but it wasn’t enough for coach Dennis Erickson and staff to keep the 5-foot-10-inch, 191-pound Fleck.

“So many good players don’t get opportunities in this league,” Fleck said last week. “It’s not a friendly business.”

All hope is not lost for Fleck, as he can still be signed to the 49ers’ eight-man practice squad. Practice squad players must clear waivers before being signed and can be signed by another team at any time if that team puts the player on its active roster. Practice squad players earn a minimum weekly salary of $4,350.

Fleck caught three passes in the preseason for 63 yards and returned two punts for 17 yards.

Turner took advantage of San Diego’s starting running back LaDainian Tomlinson’s absence against the 49ers by running for 116 yards on 24 carries. He also scored his first pro touchdown and caught four passes for 28 yards in the Chargers’ 31-15 win.

A fifth-round draft choice in April, Turner finished the preseason with 194 rushing yards on 49 carries and 10 receptions for 54 yards.

The Chargers open the regular season Sunday when they visit the Houston Texans.