Tennessee Titans: Third time a charm for Bishop Sankey?
By P. L. Colter
If you ask the casual NFL fan who was the first running back taken in last year’s draft, few would know that it was Tennessee Titans’ rb Bishop Sankey.
Eager to move on from the CJ2K era, the Titans grabbed Sankey in the second round. And as we all know, he underwhelmed last season….having just as many turnovers (2) as he did touchdowns.
But Sankey caught a break…
Shonn Greene and Dexter McCluster also struggled when given opportunities to tote the rock last season. In fairness, the offensive line was decimated by season’s end, so Sankey’s performance came with an asterisk…but that was chance number one to claim the starting job.
The Titans parted ways with Shonn Greene this offseason, and rookie fifth round pick David Cobb was slowed during camp with a hamstring injury. That gave Sankey, who had put on extra muscle, the vast majority of the reps during mini camp and training camp.
With the opportunity to claim the starting role clearly slanted in his favor, Sankey failed to separate himself by turning in an underwhelming preseason. He averaged less than three yards a carry in 3 of 4 games. That was chance number two.
But again, Sankey catches a break.
Cobb, who was gaining steam with each practice, suffered yet another injury (calf), and has been placed on the injured reserve – designated to return list. He will be eligible to return to game action in eight weeks. That firmly entrenched Sankey as the starter.
Or at least for now…
Yesterday Tennessee traded a 2016 conditional draft pick to the Cleveland Browns for running back Terrance West, who was taken forty slots behind Sankey in last year’s draft.
If West has done his research, then he must be chomping at the bit for a shot at the Titans’ starting job. After being buried on the Browns’ depth chart, West has to be smelling blood in the Tennessee water.
In any ordinary scenario, Sankey would have probably worn out his welcome by now, but lucky breaks have now afforded him a third chance to claim the job.
For his sake, I hope the third time is a charm for Bishop Sankey. Otherwise, another metaphor could come into play….
Three strikes and you’re out.
Next: Tennessee Titans resolve 53-man roster