Titans having open competition at punt returner, Kyle Philips still in the mix

#Titans ST coordinator Craig Aukerman: The competition is open at punt returner, and we’ll make the best decision we can. Kyle Philips will be in the mix, Aukerman said. “We don’t want to throw Kyle away. … We really like Kyle.”

— Jim Wyatt (@jwyattsports) October 26, 2023

The Tennessee Titans (2-4) return to action in Week 8 at home against the Atlanta Falcons after having a week to reflect on their previous loss to the Baltimore Ravens in London.

However, the Titans may feature a different look in the punt return game after Kyle Philips’ muffed punt at the end of the first half resulted in points for the Ravens.

The blunder has given special teams coordinator Craig Aukerman a reason for trying his luck with other personnel. The philosophy seems to be aligned with the franchise’s transitional state, following the trade of long-time safety Kevin Byard.

It would appear the Titans are evaluating everything, as Aukerman indicated the competition for the punt return job is there for the taking. At least for this weekend, Tennessee will evaluate Mason Kinsey, Eric Garror, Shi Smith, and Colton Dowell, and despite his latest punt return blunder in Week 6, Philips is also in the mix.

Aukerman said Philips, Mason Kinsey, Eric Garror, Shi Smith and even Colton Dowell are in the competition for punt returner.

— Terry McCormick (@terrymc13) October 26, 2023

Philips, the second-year man out of UCLA, started the year on injured reserve. He made his season debut in Week 5 and has taken four punt returns for a total of 23 yards.

Garror is in his first season with the Titans after signing as an undrafted free agent and averaged 15.1 yards per return as a senior at Louisiana. He has yet to have an opportunity to field punt returns in the NFL.

Smith has prior experience with the Carolina Panthers, taking 23 punt returns and averaging 6.2 yards per in 2022. The former South Carolina standout notably averaged 21.9 yards per return as a junior for the Gamecocks.

Kinsey has had the most success returning punts at the NFL level. The 25-year-old has fielded four punt returns this season, averaging 12.5 yards per, including a 21-yard return in Week 4 against the Cincinnati Bengals.

Dowell has yet to return a punt in the NFL, but at 6-foot-3, 212 pounds, the seventh-round pick in 2023 presents a unique combination of size and speed. The Titans are willing to explore roles they can carve out for the former UT-Martin wide receiver.