With their top two return men in the NFL’s concussion protocol, the Falcons are making contingency plans for their game against the Tennessee Titans at 1 p.m. Sunday at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
If Kenjon Barner, the main kickoff and punt returner, doesn’t make it out of the concussion protocol, the Falcons will go to their backup plan. But the backup kickoff returner, Ito Smith, also is in the concussion protocol.
Wide receiver Mohamed Sanu or Justin Hardy will handle punt returns, according to special-teams coordinator Ben Kotwica.
If Barner and Smith are down, rookie cornerback Kendall Sheffield can return kickoffs.
Also, punter Matt Bosher was limited in practice Wednesday. The Falcons added Matt Wile to the practice squad and can activate him Saturday if Bosher’s groin is still bothering him.
About the Author
