Who will be Tennessee’s next kickoff return specialist?
The Tennessee Titans plan to replace Jha’Quan Jackson as their primary special teams returner after he fumbled a return for the second consecutive week. General manager Ran Carthon drafted Jackson in the sixth round because he felt he’d be an excellent returner. That’s currently looking like a blemish on Carthon’s resume as GM.
Head coach Brian Callahan has essentially confirmed Jackson will be replaced as the returner against the Jacksonville Jaguars this weekend. The Titans will consider both external and internal options. We’ve identified three potential candidates.
Mason Kinsey
Mason Kinsey was the first internal option mentioned by Callahan. The practice squad mainstay returned 11 punts for the Titans last season, gaining a stellar 100 yards. Kinsey averaged a team-high 9.1 yards per punt return. He’s not as experienced as a kickoff returner, but should make an easy transition if offered an opportunity.
Velus Jones Jr.
Velus Jones Jr. is currently on the Jaguars’ practice squad (so is Dennis Daley, by the way!). Jones Jr. failed to meet expectations with the Chicago Bears as a third-round pick, but he did finish fifth in kickoff return yards last season with 435. He also played college football locally for the Tennessee Volunteers.
Tyjae Spears
The Titans haven’t really used Tyjae Spears in a 50-50 timeshare with Tony Pollard this season. Spears’ consistent injury issues this year, paired with Pollard being the MVP of the offense, have led to limited opportunities on offense. The former Tulane standout finished a respectable 18th in the entire league last season in kickoff return yards (270), and is much more explosive than Julius Chestnut, who returned a kick on Sunday.