The Tennessee Titans had a star rookie kicker throughout the preseason. Undrafted free agent Brayden Narveson quickly endeared himself to fans. In Tennessee's second exhibition game against the Seattle Seahawks, Narveson connected with three field goals in the fourth quarter, including one from a breathtaking 59 yards. The former NC State standout also converted a game-winner from 46 yards out to clinch victory for the Titans.
Unsurprisingly, that wasn't enough for Narveson to make the Titans' 53-man roster. The team already had Pro Bowl kicker Nick Folk, who consistently outperformed his rookie counterpart throughout training camp practices. The Titans released Narveson, and that quickly proved to be the correct decision.
Narveson landed with the Green Bay Packers, who were searching the waiver wire for kicking help. By mid October, the Packers had realized that Narveson wasn't meeting the expectations he set for himself during an outstanding exhibition period. He was released from his contract and replaced by veteran kicker Brandon McManus after missing five field goals in six games.
Meanwhile Folk has been borderline automatic for the Titans. The 40-year-old weapon ranks first in the league among field goal kickers in make percentage at 95.5%, having converted 21 of 22 attempts this season (minimum 20 attempts). Folk is a perfect 6-of-6 on attempts from 50-plus yards out.
Well it appears the battle is back on. According to the NFL Network's Mike Garafolo, the Titans are signing Narveson back to their practice squad. Garafolo indicates Folk is dealing with an injury and is legitimately questionable for Sunday's Week 15 contest versus the Cincinnati Bengals.
The #Titans are signing former #Packers K Brayden Narveson to the practice squad, source says. Nick Folk is dealing with an injury, so Narveson is added to the mix ahead of Sunday’s game against the #Bengals. pic.twitter.com/adb51uM0Z0
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) December 10, 2024
It's unclear when Folk suffered an injury. He converted both of his field goal attempts in Sunday's disappointing 10-6 home defeat to the Jacksonville Jaguars. Folk first connected with a 46-yard attempt in the first quarter, and was successful again from 39 yards in the third quarter. He handled kickoff duties throughout the entire duration of the contest.
Folk was re-signed to a one-year contract prior to the 2024 season. Given his advancing age, and the Titans' inability to legitimately compete for the postseason, he may be interested in retiring or playing elsewhere next season. The Titans need to start weighing potential successors.
The Titans have had a few young kickers in the fold in recent offseasons, including Narveson and Cade York, the latter of which kicked for the Bengals in their Monday Night Football win over the Dallas Cowboys, and could kick for them again versus the Titans.