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Updates from Week 4
Quarterbacks
Ryan Tannehill didn't get much game action this preseason, but he is firmly entrenched as the No. 1 quarterback following a solid camp. Rumors of Tannehill's demise after the team added day-two quarterbacks in the last two seasons were quickly put to bed, with Tannehill leading the charge on the offense's install periods and becoming the vocal leader of the offense. Tannehill played well in joint practices, and the Titans will look to him to lead the offense all year. Behind Tannehill, Malik Willis and Will Levis are the No. 2 and 3, respectively.
Running Backs
Derrick Henry had a quiet camp relative to previous years but is still the team's focal point. Henry struggled to get going in joint practices, with offensive line troubles hampering him frequently. Still, the struggles weren't on Henry; he looked as explosive and strong as ever. The offense still revolves around Henry, though a lighter workload may be in the cards, thanks to rookie Tyjae Spears's preseason performance. Spears was remarkable throughout camp and performed like one of the best backs in the NFL this preseason. He carved out explosive runs in most practices and was heavily involved in the passing attack. Spears earned more snaps than most backups to Derrick Henry, and he'll see more of the field than many anticipated heading into camp. Julius Chestnut also had a fantastic camp, with his best performance coming in Week 2 against the Vikings when he carried 13 times for 98 yards and a touchdown.
Wide Receivers
DeAndre Hopkins is who we thought he was. He produced consistently this summer, especially in contested catch situations, and Tannehill often targeted him in critical situations. Hopkins should see a hefty target share, even if the team’s overall passing volume remains low. Meanwhile, Treylon Burks should contribute as the complementary target once he gets healthy. Before getting hurt, Burks was having a good camp. He was a monster in the red zone, hauling in multiple contested catches. Unfortunately, Kyle Philips will miss the beginning of the year with a knee injury. That leaves the door open for veteran Nick Westbrook-Ikhine to get an early run. Chris Moore, Colton Dowell, and Kearis Jackson round out the roster.
Tight Ends
Chigoziem Okonkwo had an up-and-down camp, but Tannehill trusts him enough to throw to him in crucial situations, and Okonkwo often comes through. But he dropped more passes than the Titans would prefer and sometimes disappeared during practice. Josh Whyle, like Okonkwo, had a rollercoaster camp. Trevon Wesco looks entrenched as the No. 2 tight end because of his blocking ability.
Kickers
Michael Badgley was signed during the week, and both Caleb Shudak and Trey Wolff were let go, providing Badgley a chance to seize the kicker job in the preseason finale. He didn't. Badgley made 3-of-4 field goal attempts, but the miss was from 39 yards. A 44-yard attempt was good but hit the left upright. Badgley himself acknowledged that his performance was poor. The Titans have traded for Nick Folk.
Defense
The Titans have built playoff contenders through a strong defense and ball-control ground attack, and this team is similarly constructed. Tackle Jeffery Simmons paces the defensive line, but edge rusher Harold Landry's return elevates the ceiling. Tackle Teair Tart emerged as an impactful player next to him. The defensive backfield looks much improved, with cornerback Kristian Fulton and Sean Murphy-Bunting leading the group.
Returners
Undrafted rookies Kearis Jackson and Eric Garror have been preseason surprises. Jackson made the final 53-man roster as a return specialist.
Updates from Week 3
Quarterbacks
Ryan Tannehill had a sharp start to the week. He was lights out across the board on Monday, throwing darts on 1-on-1s, 2-on-2s, 7-on-7s, and team drills. Tannehill started the practice 16-of-16, further distancing himself from the backups. But after losing Treylon Burks to injury, Tannehill came back to Earth. Minnesota's aggressive defense led to more misses and drops than catches, and the offense's overall performance was stagnant. Despite this, Malik Willis had a remarkable day in joint practices against Minnesota. He went 13-of-14, building on the momentum he earned in the team's first preseason game. Willis received the most second-team reps throughout the week. He capped that off by starting and playing the entire Week 2 matchup against the Vikings, finishing 10-of-17 for 85 yards, a touchdown, and an interception while adding eleven rushes for 91 yards. It was a rollercoaster performance, but there were positives to build upon. Willis has taken a clear lead in the team's backup quarterback competition, with Will Levis getting just four reps in 7-on-7 periods in the first joint practice. He failed to finish practice on Thursday and received no game action on Saturday.
Running Backs
Derrick Henry struggled to find a groove in the team's first joint practice with Minnesota. The offensive line is a work in progress, and Henry needed more room to run. He didn't stand out much on Thursday, though he punched in a touchdown during a red zone period. Henry hasn’t taken a preseason snap and likely won’t in the remaining games. Rookie Tyjae Spears followed up an impressive Week 1 with an equally remarkable Week 2 stat line. He finished with seven carries for 57 yards and a breakaway touchdown. Spears has stood out this preseason and will likely factor have a larger role than most No. 2s have during Derrick Henry’s tenure. Julius Chestnut is solidifying his roster spot. He finished with 13 carries for 98 yards and a touchdown Saturday after impressing in the same red zone period Henry popped in. Chestnut has seemingly overtaken Hassan Haskins, though Haskins has missed time with an injury.
Wide Receivers
This week's big news is that Treylon Burks suffered a sprained LCL that will sideline him for a few weeks. However, the team welcomed this news as many feared the worst after seeing his awkward landing on a deep ball in practice against Minnesota on Wednesday. Burks was carted off but could be ready to go by Week 1. This came just one practice after he dominated, looking "unguardable." DeAndre Hopkins unsurprisingly stood out in Burks’ absence. Hopkins struggled along with the rest of the offense on Wednesday but found the end zone on Thursday. Kyle Philips has also stepped up in Burks’ absence. He made three catches in 7-on-7 and team drills on Wednesday before showing more reliability in 1-on-1 and 2-on-2s on Thursday. There's a steady drumbeat for Philips, and he played just one snap in Saturday's matchup against Minnesota after logging his excellent week of practice. Hopkins and Burks sat out entirely. Behind that trio, the battle for the roster spots continued. Racey McMath is making a late surge, but Kearis Jackson and Reggie Roberson have stood out at times, too. Mason Kinsey, the team's emergency backup quarterback on Saturday, was active with four catches for 37 yards. Kinsey’s versatility should keep him on the roster.
Tight Ends
Chigoziem Okonkwo caught a touchdown in a two-minute drill during practice this week. He's popped in 1-on-1 drills, as well, and still should factor in heavily to the offense's plans. Behind him, Josh Whyle bounced back after a rough preseason debut. He had arguably his best training camp practice on Monday, catching at least four passes, including a deep ball from Tannehill. He followed that up with solid performances against Minnesota in joint practices. Tannehill is looking to him more often.
Kickers
Undrafted free agent Trey Wolff made the sole field goal attempt in the win over the Vikings, although it was from 22 yards out. He also converted two extra-point attempts, while Caleb Shudak made his extra-point attempt. Leading up to the weekend, most accounts indicated that Shudak was ahead; however, special teams coordinator Craig Aukerman mentioned that the competition was neck and neck on August 14. However, all of that changed when the Washington Commanders declared Joey Slye to be their kicker and released Michael Badgley. The Titans promptly signed Badgley and released Shudak and Wolff. Barring poor performance, Badgley will be the team's Week 1 kicker.
Defense
Teair Tart was thrown out of practice this week. The Titans and Vikings verbally agreed on a no-tolerance policy for scuffles and fights, and Tart immediately got into it with Garrett Bradbury after losing a rep. “I haven't talked to him yet, but he knows our standards. He knows we don't do dumb [expletive] to hurt the team, as Vrabel says,” standout defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons said following the scuffle. Cornerback Tre Avery followed up an impressive preseason debut with an interception of Willis and then solid play against the Vikings in joint practices. In the game, the defense performed well against Minnesota's backups, with second and third-team players handling their assignments within the structure of the scheme.
Offensive Line
The Titans' offensive line will have four new starters. Rookie sensation Peter Skoronski looks dominant at left guard and forms an encouraging tandem with new left tackle Andre Dillard. With Nicholas Petit-Frere suspended, Chris Hubbard has stepped in at right tackle. But journeyman Justin Murray also looked good in the role against Minnesota. Right guard Daniel Brunskill can also step outside to tackle in an emergency. Despite hope for the future, the Titans rank last, 32nd overall.
Updates from Week 2
Quarterbacks
While the offense has had moments throughout camp, Ryan Tannehill and company struggled to get going at practice this week. Tannehill and the receivers were not on the same page, and protection issues remained prevalent. Still, there were some sessions where Tannehill's preciseness stood out. He didn't play against the Bears, allowing Malik Willis to get the start. He completed 16-of-25 passes for 189 yards, no touchdowns, an interception, and two fumbles. Will Levis also struggled, completing 9-of-14 passes for 85 yards, no touchdowns, and an interception. Levis struggled to get rid of the ball, though his offensive line didn't help much. NFL analyst Gregg Rosenthal believes Willis will win the backup job over Levis.
Running Backs
Derrick Henry didn't suit up for this week's preseason game, allowing rookie Tyjae Spears to shine. Spears looked good on limited work, carrying the ball six times for 32 yards, with a notable 14-yard scamper. He also added a catch for four yards. Spears looks like the obvious choice for the No. 2 spot, though Julius Chestnut had an impressive showing, too, with 46 yards on seven carries. Given his legal issues, Hassan Haskins’ status is unclear, so the door is open for Chestnut to secure a roster spot. Henry will remain the workhorse, but Tennessee has a more credible backup plan this year than in past seasons.
Wide Receivers
DeAndre Hopkins missed practice early in the week and took it lightly on Thursday when he returned. Hopkins and Treylon Burks didn't play in the preseason opener. Kyle Philips stacked a few good practices before playing in limited action on Saturday. With Hopkins out, Philips was a reliable option and caught one pass for five yards before the coaches gave him the rest of the night off. Racey McMath, Mason Kinsey, Tre'Shaun Harrison, Reggie Roberson, and Kearis Jackson all caught multiple passes. Chris Moore has been a big play threat in camp, and he caught one ball for 30 yards in the Week 1 matchup. Colton Dowell paced the team in snaps but hauled in just one catch for six yards. He's an elite athlete and remains an intriguing option for the final roster spot.
Tight Ends
Chigoziem Okonkwo was on the list of inactives on Saturday, giving the backups a chance to shine. Josh Whyle has turned heads in camp. He had just two catches for nine yards against the Bears, but he could’ve had a much bigger night if Malik Willis hadn’t misdirected a deep shot. Whyle has momentum for the No. 2 role. Okonkwo was part of this week's struggle, showing inconsistent hands and dropping passes.
Kickers
Caleb Shudak made his extra point attempt and a 41-yard field goal attempt, while Trey Wolff missed a 48-yard kick that could have tied the game in the fourth quarter. Shudak holds a slight advantage at this point due to Wolff's miss and Shudak's consistent performance during camp. However, the competition remains open.
Defense
The defense continues to impress. The ability to force turnovers is evident, though the team struggled to stop the Bears' first-team offense on Saturday. The defensive backfield has noticeably improved, with Amani Hooker making plays all over the field. Many starters rested on Saturday, allowing players like Eric Garror and Shyheim Carter chances to thrive. Tre Avery came down with an interception. The defense held up better against the Bears' second team and depth may be less of an issue in 2023 than in previous years.
Returners
Julius Chestnutt and Hassan Haskins are set to reprise their roles on kickoff returns, and Kyle Phillips – a top punt returner last season before getting hurt – should reclaim the role this year.
Updates from Week 1
Quarterbacks
Reports of Ryan Tannehill's demise this offseason were overblown. The veteran quarterback has complete command of the offense and will be the starter in 2023, provided he remains healthy. Tannehill has completed nearly 65% of his passes in 7-on-7 and team drills during this camp, and his connection with the wideouts has been remarkable. The offense hasn't operated flawlessly, but at times, the weather has favored the defense in this camp. Behind Tannehill, Will Levis and Malik Willis are competing for the backup job. Both have had their moments, though neither has completed more than 60% of their 7-on-7 or team-drill reps. Head coach Mike Vrabel spoke about the competition, highlighting how they've pushed each other. Both have yet to emerge as the favorite for the backup job. Still, Levis is making noticeable progress, and his similarities to Tannehill make him the most natural backup. Preseason games will be critical for determining the order of the quarterback room behind Tannehill.
Running Backs
Derrick Henry has also benefitted from poor weather, as he strung together a series of impressive runs in those practices. Henry doesn't look to have lost a step, and the offense will still primarily flow through the veteran. Tyjae Spears looks to be the team's third-down back, though how lucrative that role is for fantasy remains unclear. He has turned heads in pass protection and consistently makes plays in the passing attack during team drills. Spears hasn't been confined to just passing-down work, as he has delivered some impressive chunk runs at times too. Spears was one of the more pro-ready prospects in the 2023 draft class and could find a definitive role early. Hassan Haskins is the most natural replacement in the event of a Henry injury, though he has recently stood out more for blown-up plays in the backfield than impressive runs. He also has a court date scheduled for August 30th, and his place on the roster is all but certain.
Wide Receivers
DeAndre Hopkins is still a top-notch wideout. He may not be what he was in his prime entirely, but he's been a reliable playmaker for Tannehill and the offense. His ability to make contested catches has been notable, and he's looking like the top pass-catcher for the team thus far. Behind him, Treylon Burks looks much better this year. His routes are crisper, and he has reeled in some highlight-level catches through the first two weeks of camp. Burks and Hopkins will be the two receivers on the field in two-receiver sets. Behind them, Kyle Philips is reminding everyone of the upside he showed when healthy in 2022. He is consistently gaining separation and has the edge to start in the slot. With those three penciled in, Chris Moore, Reggie Roberson Jr, and Tre'Shaun Harrison are the favorites to round out the roster. Moore has kept pace with Philips and could push for meaningful snaps, though Roberson is turning in a second consecutive impressive camp. Racey McMath, Mason Kinsey, and Colton Dowell are longer shots.
Tight Ends
Chigoziem Okonkwo has consistently made plays in 7-on-7 and team drills. He highlighted the offense's ability to play faster with the introduction of toned-down verbiage this season. Faster is better for Okonkwo, as he can take advantage of the middle of the field with his speed and yards-after-the-catch ability. Tight end coach Tony Dews spoke about Okonkwo's leadership, expressing how others look up to him because of his ability. Okonkwo is the unquestioned No. 1 tight end, and his presence is critical to the offense's success. Behind Okonkwo, Josh Whyle has made some plays. He's had the most impact in the passing attack, but Trevon Wesco's versatility could keep him on the field in two tight-end sets. Wesco is still adapting to the offense, but his blocking ability will be valuable for a run-first offense.
Kickers
The competition between Caleb Shudak and Trey Wolff is progressing well. Shudak, a 2022 rookie free agent from Iowa, played in one game for the Titans last year, making three out of four field goals and successfully converting an extra point. However, he finished the season on the practice squad. Wolff, who went undrafted this year from Texas Tech, possesses average leg strength and has historically struggled with kicks beyond 40 yards. Heading into the weekend, Wolff's record stands at 32-of-36, while Shudak's is 27-of-29, indicating both are viable contenders for the position.
Defense
The defense's success has been difficult to judge, as the offensive line has struggled mightily throughout camp, and the weather has made life difficult for the offense. Still, Harold Landry's return and Arden Key's arrival give this team two legitimate pass rushers to complement Jeffery Simmons. Behind them, Kristian Fulton is turning heads as a legitimate No. 1 cornerback. He has won a fair share of reps against DeAndre Hopkins, and his ball skills stand out. The defense will be searching for linebacker production following the loss of David Long, and they feel confident in Azeez Al-Shaair and Monty Rice to fill the void. Better weather and some cohesion on the offensive line throughout the rest of camp should give further insight into the defense’s ceiling.
