With Nick Folk questionable, Titans sign Brayden Narveson to 53-man roster

The Tennessee Titans signed kicker Brayden Narveson to the active roster for their Week 16 battle with the Indianapolis Colts.

The Tennessee Titans made a roster move on Saturday in preparation for their AFC South battle with the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday. 

The team not only signed kicker Brayden Narveson to the 53-man roster, they extended him through the 2025 season. This is a solid move, adding a player with some upside now and protecting him through the offseason as they build their 90-man roster. 

The move also signals that kicker Nick Folk, who is questionable with an abdominal injury, could be in serious jeopardy this week. Folk did return to practice on Friday in a limited capacity, but will not be 100 percent. 

The Titans did not have to make a corresponding roster move to add Narveson because they had not filled the spot they opened up after waiving Leroy Watson in Week 15. 

The Titans will be back on the field on Sunday when they travel to Lucas Oil Stadium to face the Colts in Week 16 action. 

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Titans signing Brayden Narveson with Nick Folk injured

Tennessee Titans kicker Nick Folk is dealing with an undisclosed injury leading them back to preseason darling Brayden Narveson.

After another disappointing Sunday, the Tennessee Titans have turned their attention toward Week 15 and the Cincinnati Bengals.

On Tuesday, word came out that the team was signing kicker Brayden Narveson to the practice squad. As the news broke, it was also reported that kicker Nick Folk is suffering from an undisclosed injury.

This came as a bit of a surprise as head coach Brian Callahan did not mention Folk or potentially adding a kicker during his weekly press availability.

Narveson was a training camp darling, showing a strong leg and accuracy. He was released during final cuts and was picked up by the Green Bay Packers, where his accuracy came into question. With Green Bay, he connected on 12-of-17 field goals before being released.

If Folk can’t go this week, it will further impact the special teams. He has been a model of consistency in 2024 and has been one of the most reliable players on the team.

Folk has been nearly perfect, going 21-of-22 on field goals, including 6-of-6 on kicks over 50 yards.

The Titans will return to practice on Wednesday and more information on Folk and his injury should come out then. This is, however, another blow that could further cloud an already dismal season.

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Former Packers K Brayden Narveson returning to Titans

The NFL journey of Brayden Narveson has led the rookie kicker from Nashville to Green Bay and now back to Nashville.

The NFL journey of Brayden Narveson has led the rookie kicker from Nashville to Green Bay and now back to Nashville. According to Mike Garafolo of NFL Network, the Tennessee Titans are signing Narveson — who spent the first six weeks of the 2024 season with the Packers — to the team’s practice squad.

Narveson, who went undrafted out of North Carolina State, made 6-of-7 field goals during the preseason with the Titans but was released — giving the kicker-needy Packers a chance to claim him off waivers after final cuts.

But Narveson wasn’t the answer in Green Bay. He made 12 of 17 field goals — missing four times from between 40-49 yards and another under 40 yards — during the first six games before the Packers changed directions on Oct. 15 and went with veteran Brandon McManus.

Narveson has worked out for teams over the last few months but hasn’t signed. Now, he’ll return to the Titans and possibly be in line for kicking duties with veteran Nick Folk dealing with an injury this week.

McManus has made 11 of 12 field goals — including two game-winners — and all 20 extra points since signing with the Packers.

Both coach Matt LaFleur and general manager Brian Gutekunst have said they think Narveson will be an effective kicker at the NFL level, but the Packers — a contender in the NFC — didn’t have time to wait for a rookie kicker to figure it out.

The Titans play the Cincinnati Bengals this week in Nashville on Sunday.

Packers not considering kicker change despite another Brayden Narveson miss

The Packers are sticking with Brayden Narveson despite his NFL-leading fifth field goal miss through six weeks.

In the aftermath of another miss from Brayden Narveson, Green Bay Packers coach Matt LaFleur said the team still isn’t ready to make a change.

Asked on Monday if the Packers are considering a change at kicker after six weeks, LaFleur responded: “I wouldn’t say that right now, no.”

Narveson, a rookie, missed his NFL-high fifth field goal during Sunday’s 34-13 win over the Arizona Cardinals. His 44-yard attempt went wide right. A drive later, Narveson hit from 41 yards, and he finished 2-for-3 on field goals and 4-for-4 on extra points.

Entering Monday night’s game, Narveson ranks 33rd out of 33 qualifying kickers in field goal percentage at 70.6. Greg Joseph, who the Packers released to add Narveson after final cuts, ranks 32nd at 72.7 percent.

The misses are adding up. Narveson has missed an NFL-high four kicks between 40 and 49 yards, and he’s one of only three kickers to miss between 30 and 39 yards this season (kickers are 98-for-101 on kicks between 30 and 39 in 2024).

The Packers have rookie kicker Alex Hale available as the team’s International Player Pathway player on the practice squad, and LaFleur said Hale would “potentially” be ready to kick if needed.

The Packers have preached patience at kicker. LaFleur has continually praised Narveson’s work in practice environments, and the team believes in Narveson’s combination of talent and demeanor. But patience can wear thin in a hurry, especially when margins are so thin at the NFL level.

Where is the breaking point?

“We’ll see, again, we’ll take it day by day,” LaFleur said.

The Packers host the AFC South-leading Houston Texans at Lambeau Field on Sunday. LaFleur’s team can’t afford to throwaway points in big matchups against contenders.

Narveson has missed at least one field goal in four of six games, and he had a miss in Tennessee negated by a penalty. Against the Vikings in Week 4, Narveson missed two field goals in the first half as the Packers fell behind 28-0. He also missed a field goal in Brazil in Week 1 and against the Colts in the home opener in Week 2.

After hitting rock bottom, Packers K Brayden Narveson hopes to put kicking woes behind him

Can Packers kicker Brayden Narveson bounce back after missing four kicks in the first four games?

At least for the time being, the Green Bay Packers aren’t bringing in a new kicker despite recent struggles from rookie Brayden Narveson. That means Narveson has to try to get past last week’s confidence-depleting performance against the Minnesota Vikings when he missed two field goals in what ended up being a 2-point loss.

“Forget about it, move on, and learn from it,” Narveson said on what his approach has been since Sunday. “Obviously, you can’t fully forget about it. You need to make sure that you analyze it and figure out what you’ve done wrong and try to fix it, but at the same time, clear your head and realize that I am so much better than that and that I need to get to point where I can’t let that happen again.”

Narveson missed kicks from 37 yards and 49 yards against the Vikings, bringing his miss total to four on the year, the most in the NFL. He is also the only kicker to have a miss from under 40 yards. The good news is that all four misses have been wide to the right, which Narveson believes is a good thing because he is making the same mistake.

“It’s not a double miss. They’ve all been in a very, very similar spot, so there’s a positive to that, obviously,” he said. “I need to try to take that positive, correct it, and then move on to the next kick.”

Many believe Narveson is lucky to be getting another chance in Green Bay. Earlier this week, the Packers worked out free agent kickers Chad Ryland and Lucas Havrisik but did not sign either one. Ryland was signed to the Arizona Cardinals practice squad the very next day.

After cutting last year’s draft pick Anders Carlson during roster cutdowns, general manager Brian Gutekunst admitted that he hasn’t been as patient with specialists as he should be. In the past, Gutekunst has parted ways with punters JK Scott and Corey Bojorquez, who have now gotten off to promising starts in 2024. Gutekunst is trying to practice a little more patience this time around.

Despite receiving a little more leeway from the GM, Narveson remains on a short leash. Another bad miss could mark the end of his time in Green Bay.

This weekend, he will get the chance to redeem himself at SoFi Stadium in a matchup hosted by the Los Angeles Rams. While SoFi is not a true dome, kicking conditions are usually favorable. Rams kicker Joshua Karty has made both of his field goal attempts at home this season and is 3/3 on extra points. The Rams share SoFi with the Los Angeles Chargers. So far, Chargers kicker Cameron Dicker is 4/5 at home with his only miss coming on a 55-yarder.

After experiencing the lowest of lows for an NFL kicker, Narveson says his goal is to go out and perform without any added pressure. At this point, he feels like he doesn’t have much to lose.

“In my opinion, I’ve felt what rock bottom feels like in a game,” Narveson said. “I’m kind of at the point right now where it’s almost like a screw-it mentality. I’m a dawg. I’m that guy. I’m going to go out there and bang the kick. That’s kind of how I’m thinking about it this week. Just continuously telling myself positive feedback and just go out there.”

Packers still confident in rookie K Brayden Narveson despite 2 more misses

Brayden Narveson missed two more field goals in the Packers’ 31-29 loss to the Vikings, but coach Matt LaFleur expressed continued confidence in his rookie kicker post-game.

During two different opportunities following the Green Bay Packers’ 31-29 loss to the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, coach Matt LaFleur expressed continued confidence in rookie kicker Brayden Narveson, who missed a pair of field goals in the first half.

Speaking with Larry McCarren of the Packers Radio Network, LaFleur said he still has “a lot of trust and faith” in Narveson. Later, at his post-game press conference, LaFleur said he has “a lot of confidence” in Narveson and wouldn’t hesitate to use him in a big spot moving forward.

The Packers coach pointed to Narveson’s performance in practices and overall demeanor as a kicker for why he remains confident in the rookie’s ability to accomplish the job moving forward.

It remains to be seen if Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst agrees with LaFleur’s assessment of the kicking situation.

On Sunday, Narveson hit the right upright from 37 yards out to end the Packers’ first drive. Two drives later, Narveson missed wide right from 49 yards out.

The Packers fell behind 28-0 in the first half, but the missed six points ended up being crucial late. LaFleur’s team got to 28-22 and eventually 31-29 in the fourth quarter but ran out of time to make up the final two points.

Narveson, a rookie from North Carolina State, now has four misses, including three from 40 or more yards. He had another miss negated by a penalty last week in Tennessee.

Entering Week 4, Narveson ranked 23rd in the NFL in field goal kicking percentage at 81.8. He will be flirting with last place in the league after missing two more and dropping his percentage to 69.2 percent.

Through four weeks, Narveson has missed from 43 yards, 45 yards, 37 yards and 49 yards.

The Packers acquired Narveson off waivers from the Tennessee Titans following final cuts. Anders Carlson and Greg Joseph were in Green Bay during training camp but failed to win the job.

Before the regular season, Gutekunst admitted his lack of patience with specialists but vowed to give his new specialist a longer leash. Last season, Carlson struggled late and missed a vital kick in the fourth quarter of the Packers’ playoff loss in San Francisco. He was released at final cuts.

Barring a change, Narveson’s next chance to kick will come next Sunday in Los Angeles.

Packers add K Brayden Narveson to Week 3 injury report with right foot injury

The Green Bay Packers added kicker Brayden Narveson to the Week 3 injury report on Saturday due to a right foot injury, but Narveson wasn’t given a status designation and is expected to play Sunday against the Tennessee Titans. 

The Green Bay Packers added kicker Brayden Narveson to the Week 3 injury report on Saturday due to a right foot injury, but Narveson wasn’t given a status designation and is expected to play Sunday against the Tennessee Titans.

It’s unclear how or when Narveson, a rookie right-footed kicker, suffered the injury.

The Packers do not have a backup kicker on the practice squad.

Through two weeks, Narveson is 6-for-8 on field goals and 3-for-3 on extra points. He went 3-for-4 on field goals during both Week 1 (miss from 43) and Week 2 (miss from 45). He is 2-for-4 on kicks over 40 yards.

The Packers added Narveson via waivers from the Titans after Anders Carlson and Greg Joseph struggled in a kicking competition this summer. Matt LaFleur’s team plays in Tennessee against the Titans on Sunday.

While with the Titans this preseason, Narveson made 6-of-7 field goals, including a 59-yarder and a game-winner.

Titans vs. Packers: 3 reasons for optimism in Week 3

The Tennessee Titans take on the Green Bay Packers in Week 3 and here are three reasons for optimism in Nashville.

The Tennessee Titans are preparing to face the Green Bay Packers in Week 3 action on Sunday at Nissan Stadium. The Titans (0-2) again failed to get over the hump and fell to the Jets in a competitive game that they could have easily won.

The Packers (1-1) rallied around backup quarterback Malik Willis and got their first win against the Indianapolis Colts in Week 2.

There is a lot on the line and this should be an interesting game the Titans have three reasons to be optimistic that they can finally get into the win column.

Steve Roberts-Imagn Images

The defense is better than advertised

The Titans’ defense again answered the bell and did a good job holding the Jets in check. It wasn’t quite the dominant performance from Week 1, but the Jets have a better offense than the Chicago Bears. The Titans’ defense is ranked first in total defense after Week 2 and should present a challenge to the Packers, regardless of who takes the snaps. The Packers do have a strong running game, but they haven’t faced a tandem like Jeffery Simmons and T’Vondre Sweat in 2024.

Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images

Green Bay’s quarterback situation

With starter Jordan Love battling a knee injury, the Packers may again turn to Willis. For the Titans, that shouldn’t matter. If Love plays, he will be limited from a mobility perspective, which could impact play-calling. If Willis is the man, the former Titans quarterback has only been in the system for a few weeks and will face a defense that understands his tendencies. Yes, he does add a mobility element that Love doesn’t have at the moment, but he is nowhere near as accomplished as a passer. This has to favor the Titans.

Mike Dinovo-Imagn Images

The kicking game

Not the punting unit, that’s a whole other topic, but Nick Folk vs. Brayden Narveson. Narveson, who was also in training camp for the Titans, is young and inexperienced and a return to Tennessee should add a little tension during his attempts. In a game that is likely going to be a low-scoring affair, a missed field goal or extra point could change the entire complexion of the game. Folk may not have the biggest leg, but his experience could pay dividends in this match-up.

The Titans have many reasons to be optimistic, but we will have to wait until Sunday to find out if that optimism was warranted.

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Matt LaFleur wants to be patient with rookie kicker Brayden Narveson

Matt LaFleur wants to stay patient with Packers rookie kicker Brayden Narveson, who has missed a kick in back-to-back weeks.

Dating back to last season, the Green Bay Packers have missed a field goal in seven consecutive games and 12 of the last 14 games overall, including the postseason.

Through two games, rookie Brayden Narveson has picked up right where Anders Carlson left off. In back-to-back games since arriving in Green Bay, Narveson has missed a kick between 40 and 50 yards– including a 45-yarder in the fourth quarter on Sunday against the Indianapolis Colts.

Narveson, an undrafted rookie out of North Carolina State, is one of only seven kickers to be under 80 percent on field goals and one of only three kickers to miss multiple field goal attempts through the first two weeks. He’s made six field goals, which ranks sixth overall, but the misses — and the lost points — are often as important for kickers as the makes.

Coach Matt LaFleur admitted the decision is mostly out of his hands, but he said he’s wants to be patient with Narveson.

“I’d say from, my perspective, pretty patient,” LaFleur said Monday. “I like his mentality, I like his talent. There’s going to be some ups and downs. Hopefully, there’s more ups than downs. I do think he’s done a pretty nice job. He needs to make that field goal, he knows, we all know it, but I’m confident if he’s in that situation again, he’ll hit it.”

Narveson hit his first three field goals in Week 1 in Brazil but then missed a 43-yarder in the second half. The same script played out Sunday, with Narveson hitting from 46 yards, 42 yards and 34 yards before pushing a 45-yarder wide right after an 11-play drive with 4:10 to go.

Carlson, who lost the kicking battle this summer, got a full season and a full second offseason in Green Bay before the Packers made a change. Barring a major collapse, Narveson should get the same leash in Green Bay. The big concern? The Packers fancy themselves as Super Bowl contenders in 2024, and with razor thin margins among the top teams, Green Bay can’t afford shaky place kicking. It killed them in San Francisco in January. Narveson must steady as he gains experience in Year 1.

Brayden Narveson’s wife grew up in Wisconsin as a Packers fan

Green Bay Packers kicker Brayden Narveson has some extra motivation to perform for his new team: His wife is a life-long fan. 

Green Bay Packers kicker Brayden Narveson has some extra motivation to perform for his new team: His wife, Shelby, grew up in Wisconsin and is a life-long Packers fan.

“It’s a dream come true,” Narveson said Sunday. “My wife grew up here in Wisconsin and they are all Packers fans. It’s really, really surreal. Feels good.”

Narveson’s wife grew up in Prescott, Wisconsin, on the western side of the state near the Wisconsin-Minnesota border. He said they talked during the pre-draft process — especially after interviewing with Packers special teams assistant Byron Storer — about how incredible it would be to land in Green Bay.

Not surprisingly, Narveson said his first call after being claimed by the Packers on Wednesday was to his wife.

“When I called and told her that I got claimed by the Packers, she was like, ‘You’ve got to be kidding me!’ She hung the phone up and called her parents immediately. She was more excited than I was,” Narveson said.

Narveson is from Arizona. He kicked at Iowa State, Western Kentucky and North Carolina State in college before landing with the Tennessee Titans as an undrafted rookie. With the Titans, Narveson made 6-of-7 field goals during the preseason, including a 59-yarder and a 46-yard game-winner.

Now, he’ll be kicking for the Packers — who went through five different kickers this offseason before claimed Narveson to take over.

Heading to Green Bay means Narveson’s wife gets to be a Packers fan again.

“She’s like, ‘I’m going to be the coolest person in my hometown!” Narveson said.

Narveson said he made 10 of his first 11 live kicks during two practices with the Packers, including a 5-for-5 showing at Lambeau Field last Friday. His first regular season kicks will almost certainly be in Brazil against the Philadelphia Eagles in the season opener. Packers fans across the world — including in Prescott — will be watching anxiously.

“Pressure is a privilege,” Narveson said.

Hear more from Narveson below: