I'd say that's a legit question based on his performance since being hurt. He started the season off somewhat shaky (CSU, Michigan), which is understandable given that he's a true frosh. But then he seemed to be settling in (UTSA, ULM) and hitting the ball better. Unfortunately, he got hurt right around the Mississippi State game. Since coming back after the Georgia game, Kern just hasn't seemed explosive at all with his punts, so I wonder if whatever caused him to sit a couple games might still be affecting him on some level.
FWIW, I'm not sure that the blocked punt in the A&M game wasn't Kern's fault. His protectors all blocked to their right and the left wing peeled off downfield and didn't bother to block, which would suggest that the call was for Kern to slide right and punt the ball on the move. But Kern punted straight on, which allowed the rusher (who had free rein due to the left wing taking off) to easily get to the contact spot and practically take the ball off Kern's foot. If that was the case, then it was a mental mistake on Kern's part. It's either that or the wing completely fucked up.
The punting has definitely been subpar this season. But I wouldn't panic. Recall that Kern was considered one of the top 5 HS punters coming out of school, i.e., he has the requisite talent and leg. It's reasonable to expect that he'll improve as he gets experience and completely recovers from whatever physical ailments he has. Even the great Michael Dickson struggled his first season -- remember the snap against Okie Lite that went through Dickson's hands and hit him right in the facemask? But Dickson improved dramatically after his first season and became arguably the greatest punter in UT history. Am I suggesting that Kern is Dickson part deux? Not at all. I'm simply saying that it's reasonable to expect that Kern will improve.
Ah, that's right. I forgot that he left the program.