The Tennessee Titans had a big question mark at the kicker position going into their Week 13 game against the Philadelphia Eagles.
Not only was Randy Bullock’s status up in the air for the upcoming game, but there was some thought that the Titans might make a midseason switch to rookie kicker Caleb Shudak, who filled in for Bullock in Week 12.
On Thursday, special teams coach Craig Aukerman made it clear: the Titans will go back to Bullock once he’s healthy.
While that question was answered, it isn’t clear is if Bullock will play this week; however, Bullock being able to fully practice on Wednesday was a good sign that he will.
Craig Aukerman says Randy Bullock is “the guy” for the #Titans at kicker when healthy.
— Sam Phalen (@Sam_Phalen) December 1, 2022
#Titans ST coordinator Craig Aukerman: Kicker Randy Bullock having a busy few days of practice. We want to see how he feels at the end of the week to determine whether he's able to return on Sunday
— Jim Wyatt (@jwyattsports) December 1, 2022
It makes all the sense in the world to stick with Bullock.
Granted, he does have his limitations with longer field goals, but Bullock has been a stabilizing force for Tennessee since 2021 at a position the team has dealt with many issues at in recent years.
#Titans kicker @randybullock28 feels like he’s making progress with calf injury. pic.twitter.com/NhRFmBADE1
— Jim Wyatt (@jwyattsports) December 1, 2022
This has nothing to do with Shudak’s talent, but rather the risky bet the Titans would be making going from a reliable kicker with a solid track record to a rookie who has no experience.
What happens from here with Shudak remains to be seen.
Chances are the Titans won’t carry two kickers on their 53-man roster, but there is actually precedent for that after the Titans had a kickoff specialist during the 2019 season in Ryan Santoso.
The more realistic scenario will have the Titans waive Shudak and try to bring him back on waivers.
