All 32 NFL teams will finalize their 53-man rosters ahead of Tuesday's 3:00 p.m. CST deadline. However, Tennessee Titans head coach Brian Callahan revealed a key roster spot on Monday night, indicating that rookie wide receiver Jha'Quan Jackson has not only made the team but the sixth-round pick will be the Titans' punt returner to start the season.
Brian Callahan just mentioned on his radio show on 104.5 that Jha'Quan Jackson is the team's punt returner for now. #Titans
— Titans247 (@NFL_Titans247) August 26, 2024
The 24-year-old used every opportunity in training camp and preseason to prove himself. Jackson notably fielded his only punt and returned it 26 yards in the Titans' preseason Week 1 game against San Francisco. Will Levis and Tennessee's offense would go on to score their second touchdown of the day.
In the preseason finale, Jackson showcased his ability both in the kick return and punt return game. He fielded two kick returns in place of the injured Kearis Jackson and accumulated 49 yards, including a long of 26 yards. Jha'Quan Jackson also had two punt returns in the game for 19 yards.
The Tulane product was in stiff competition for the job, going up against the likes of Mason Kinsey, Kyle Philips, and Eric Garror, among others. However, Jackson was able to separate himself with his work as a wide receiver.
The rookie flashed in training camp and carried that over into live-game scenarios. Jackson led the Titans in receptions (4) and receiving yards (57) in the team's preseason Week 2 win against the Seattle Seahawks.
Tennessee has struggled to find a reliable source in the punt return game over the last couple of seasons, averaging less than ten yards per return, which fell in the lower half of the league.
Jackson's ability to flip the field, at the very least, give the Titans some breathing room, will go a long way toward creating a shorter field for Levis, hopefully translating to more points on the scoreboard.
