Chris

Bryan

Bryan, an Aussie who has been playing Australian Rules Football, will battle Tim Masthay for the Packers punting gig.

The former Aussie Rules star lasted just a month as the Bucs’ punter last year, averaging a paltry 34.3 net. There’s a vacancy on the Jets with Steve Weatherford gone.

Bryan averaged just 37.4 yards on 23 punts this year, with a 34.3 net average. The Bucs worked out free agents Brent Bowden, T.J. Conley, and Robert Malone Tuesday as potential replacements.

Since neither competitor has any NFL experience, handling nerves is going to be a big part of the job. That can’t be replicated in practice. It’s also possible that the Packers will find a veteran to come in and challenge for the job during camp.

Masthay’s punt drove Brandon James so far back that he muffed it and the Packers recovered for a touchdown. Meanwhile, Chris Bryan’s first punt went just 38 yards and had 3.44 seconds of hang time.

Bryan was narrowly defeated by Tim Masthay in Packers training camp, and the Bucs see him as an upgrade over the rookie draft pick Bowden. Bowden may sign with Tampa Bay’s practice squad. The Bucs aren’t going to field much of a rushing offense this season, so Bryan figures to get a lot of work.

This means that Tim Masthay has won the punting gig, as expected. Masthay slammed the door with a booming 53-yarder in the Packers’ third preseason game.

T.J. Conley was won the battle to replace Steve Weatherford. Conley averaged 46.4 yards per punt this preseason, compared to 40.2 for Bryan.