Jones isn’t losing punt return job because of rusty start

Jones was drafted to boost the NFL’s worst punt return in 2004, and coach Jeff Fisher let Jones try fielding every punt in Friday night’s 16-13 overtime loss to San Francisco. The result was two muffed punts, including one that bounced off his chest and was recovered by the 49ers.

Fisher said Saturday that wind that gusted at 21 mph was among several factors.

“I personally would set him up depth-wise. The wind was behind the punter’s back. I felt 48, 50 yards was good. Three punts weren’t even 35 yards … He just didn’t hit it well,” Fisher said of the 49ers punter.

That kept Jones from getting to the short punts. Then one punt went well over Jones’ head with help from the wind.

“It was just unsettling for him,” Fisher said.

But don’t expect Fisher to give up on Jones so quickly.

“He did have a 17-yard return. I think our longest return last year was 18. He does have run skills. He’ll be able to put this behind him,” Fisher said.

Jones said he knew he should’ve had two punts.

“I had these armbands on, and they made it real slippery. I had the long ones on. I won’t play with those (anymore). I’ll go bare skin like I’ve been doing,” Jones said.

Preseason mistakes are easier to repair, and Jones said he is a workaholic.

“Next week will be much better than this week. Like I said, this is my first week out here. I’ve been practicing for what? Like three days? I’m not down on myself. I did pretty good on defense,” he said.

Jones was in position to intercept a ball in the second half at cornerback and drew an offensive pass interference penalty. Fisher said technique is the area where Jones needs to work on the most, and the coach wants to see him against better quality competition.

“He may not get first-team work on the practice field. I’m going to get him up in the game much earlier than we did last (night),” Fisher said.

The Titans (1-2) conclude the preseason Thursday night when they host the Green Bay Packers (1-2).

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STILL NEED A KICKER: Cutting Joe Nedney in February was a decision forced by the Titans’ need to cut more than $25 million under the salary cap. It didn’t help watching him kick three field goals Friday night, including a 24-yarder in overtime.

The Titans released Ola Kimrin on Wednesday and brought in Jay Taylor, who missed a 41-yarder wide right at the end of regulation. Rob Bironas, who missed two field goals in the second exhibition, kicked a 44-yarder and a 24-yarder and kicked off.

It didn’t help him clinch the job.

“That’s what he needed to do,” Fisher said. “It hasn’t assured him of a job on this roster, but it helps.”

NFL rosters must be trimmed to 65 plus exemptions for players assigned to NFL Europe on Tuesday. The Titans will be watching to see if they can grab another kicker off waivers.

“We’ve just about looked at every kicker not on a roster and not in camp,” Fisher said. “At least those in this country.”

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DANGEROUS SIDELINE: Coach Jeff Fisher was knocked to the ground in overtime when rookie tight end Gregg Guenther, who’s 6-foot-8 and 255 pounds, caught a pass at the sideline and couldn’t stop himself before slamming into the coach.

Fisher said he was still trying to determine who was behind him at the time.

“If you’re on a sideline long enough, it’ll eventually happen,” he said.

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INJURY REPORT: Running back Chris Brown twisted an ankle that took him out of the game. Coach Jeff Fisher said they kept him warm in case they needed him. Tight end Erron Kinney bruised his chest, but Fisher said X-rays were negative.

Running back Jarrett Payton suffered a mild concussion and strained neck while blocking, and Fisher said Payton should be able to work through the injuries. Linebacker Cody Spencer strained an abdominal muscle.

Defensive tackle Jared Clauss hyperextended his left elbow.

Fisher said running back Travis Henry, who has been sidelined the past two weeks with a case of turf toe, should return to the field this week. His status for the preseason finale remains unknown.

But tight end Ben Troupe, who has yet to practice in training camp after breaking his left foot in May, will increase his work with trainers.