Who will be Washington's punt returner in 2021?
The Washington Football Team has struggled to find consistency at punt returner for years. Last season, WFTs top punt returner, Steven Sims, averaged 6.7 yards per return. In addition to his meager average, Sims also had trouble fielding punts in 2021. There is uncertainty on who will be Washingtons punt returner in 2021, so in OTAs and minicamp, special teams coach Nate Kaczor is using several players in the role. Sims, along with second-year wideout Isaiah Wright, rookie receiver Dax Milne, veteran receiver DeAndre Carter and cornerback Danny Johnson have all fielded punts this spring. After practice on Thursday, Kaczor met with the media and discussed what he is looking for in a punt returner. Mainly, Kaczor wants someone who will catch the football cleanly to avoid negative plays. As elementary as that sounds, thats the most important thing because were getting the ball back for our offense. Kaczor said, per Zach Selby of washingtonfootball.com. All we need to do is possess it.  Hes right. Washington has struggled in recent years just fielding the football. When you have a defense that could be on the verge of being elite, you must eliminate negative plays on special teams. Most of the players competing to be WFTs punt returner are going to be in a battle for a roster spot. So, anything extra a player like Sims, Milne, Carter, Wright, or Johnson can do, the better chance they have at making the roster. Kaczor says there is currently no favorite but these five players are currently the leaders. Those guys that have been working at it are the ones who were looking at the most at this point in time, Kaczor said. Then well recalibrate, and well have everybody that is going to be evaluated going into training camp.  It will be interesting to see who is Washingtons punt returner in 2021. This is quietly one of the more intriguing battles this summer.