While the Tennessee Titans confirmed who their punt returner would be for the start of the season on their latest unofficial depth chart, the choice for kick returns remained up in the air.
Wide receiver Kearis Jackson was listed as the starter at punt returner, but the Titans had a slash between Jackson and running backs Tyjae Spears and Julius Chestnut at kick returner, signifying a decision had not been made.
Buy Titans TicketsHowever, when speaking to the media on Thursday, special teams coach Craig Aukerman said Jackson will handle both punt and kick returns, but Spears is also in the mix to bring back kickoffs for the season opener.
#Titans ST coach Craig Aukerman said Kearis Jackson will be the punt returner for the season opener.
— TURRON DAVENPORT (@TDavenport_NFL) September 7, 2023
#Titans ST coordinator Craig Aukerman: Kearis Jackson and Tajae Spears will handle kickoff returns
— Jim Wyatt (@jwyattsports) September 7, 2023
One of the topics of conversation when it comes to new Titans kicker Nick Folk was his low touchback percentage last season (9.1 percent), which led many to worry about how effective he’ll be in that area in Tennessee.
But that is not currently a concern for the Titans, as Aukerman revealed Folk will indeed handle kickoff duties in Week 1. He did, however, suggest that Tennessee will evaluate the situation from week to week.
Nick Folk will handle kickoffs for the #Titans. ST coach Craig Aukerman said it will be a wk to wk process but they have no problem with his leg strength.
— TURRON DAVENPORT (@TDavenport_NFL) September 7, 2023
Aukerman also touched on who may serves as gunners, listing wide receivers Nick Westbrook-Ikhine and Chris Moore, cornerback Anthony Kendall and safety Matthew Jackson as the top candidates.
