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USA Today Sports Media Group
USA Today Sports Media Group
Sport
Mike Moraitis

Titans’ Craig Aukerman confirms returners, talks Nick Folk kicking off

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.

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However, 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.

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.

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.

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