Falcons running back Kenjon Barner won the team’s kick return duties in the preseason but the veteran is out for its Week 4 matchup with the Tennessee Titans.
Barner has averaged 22.3 yards on four kickoff returns and 8.5 yards on eight punt returns through Atlanta’s first three games.
Entering training camp, the Falcons had high hopes that one of their young speedsters would win this competition, but Barner was the most reliable.
In his absence, the team could utilize multiple players. Running back Ito Smith returned some kicks in practice this week and rookie corner Kendall Sheffield could get a shot as well, according to special teams coach Ben Kotwica.
Handling punt returns, it’ll be wide receivers Mohamed Sanu and Justin Hardy. Both have experience, but Hardy returned 20 punts for the Falcons in 2018, averaging 7.35 yards per return.
The job will still belong to Barner when he returns from a concussion, but it’s an opportunity for someone else to showcase their return skills in Week 4.
