Aug 29, 2013; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Tennessee Titans running back Jackie Battle (22) runs the ball in the first quarter against the Minnesota Vikings at the Metrodome. Mandatory Credit: Marilyn Indahl-USA TODAY Sports
Here’s a quick look at the Tennessee Titans Week 1 roster for the upcoming 2013-14 NFL season. Some observations have been included at the end. Were there any surprises from the 22 players who were victims of the roster cuts and/or injured reserve? Expect some more movement in the coming days with free agents, waiver pickups, etc.
QB: Jake Locker, Ryan Fitzpatrick (2-2)
RB: Chris Johnson, Shonn Greene, Jackie Battle, Darius Reynaud, Quinn Johnson (5-7)
WR: Kenny Britt, Kendall Wright, Justin Hunter, Nate Washington, Damian Williams, Michael Preston (6-13)
TE: Delanie Walker, Craig Stevens, Taylor Thompson (3-16)
Starting OL: Michael Roos, Andy Levitre, Rob Turner, Chance Warmack, David Stewart (5-21)
Reserve OL: Brian Schwenke, Byron Stingily, Mike Otto, Chris Spencer (4-25)
DE: Derrick Morgan, Lavar Edwards, Ropati Pitoitua, Kamerion Wimbley, Keyunta Dawson (5-30)
DT: Sammie Hill, Jurrell Casey, Mike Martin, Karl Klug, Antonio Johnson (5-35)
LB: Akeem Ayers, Zach Brown, Moise Fokou, Colin McCarthy, Zaviar Gooden, Patrick Bailey (6-41)
CB: Jason McCourty, Alterraun Verner, Coty Sensabaugh, Blidi Wreh-Wilson, Tommie Campbell (5-46)
S: Bernard Pollard, Michael Griffin, George Wilson, Daimion Stafford (4-50)
ST: Rob Bironas, Brett Kern, Beau Brinkley (3-53)
Injured Reserve: Marc Mariani (WR)
Maybe keeping two quarterbacks is risky when one considers Jake Locker’s injury history. The Titans are expected to try and keep Rusty Smith on the practice squad. He’ll need to clear waivers.
Running back depth chart looks as advertised. Darius Reynaud won the returner job after Khalid Wooten was released and Marc Mariani was placed on injured reserve with no recall. The Titans kept true to original form and kept a fullback.
Six wide receivers were retained. Among them was Michael Preston. Don’t forget that Kevin Walter could return once he’s eligible to return from the physical unable to perform list (PUP). That won’t happen before Week 7.
No fourth tight end. Not surprising. Look for Jack Doyle to make the practice squad.
Among the most surprising personnel decisions was Chris Spencer winning the swingman job over Fernando Velasco. Cutting Velasco will save management approximately $2 million. At age 31, Spencer is a former first-round pick who has experience at guard and center.
There’s no doubt that the Titans are focused on trench football. Along with keeping nine offensive linemen, the Titans kept 10 defensive linemen. The most surprising from that group: Keyunta Dawson. If the Titans wanted to add anyone on their 53-man roster outside of the organization, then Dawson may not stay.
A risk was taken when the Titans kept a minimum of six linebackers. Three of them (Akeem Ayers, Zach Brown, Zaviar Gooden) missed the preseason finale. Colin McCarthy is coming off his own injury. That leaves Moise Fokou and Patrick Bailey. Bailey is more of a specialist than a true linebacker. Keep an eye on whether management brings in a free agent or someone on the wavier wire.
Seventh-round draft pick Daimion Stafford won a roster spot. Sixth-round pick Khalid Wooten wasn’t as fortunate. With that said, Wooten is a prime candidate for the practice squad. No surprises with the specialists (kicker, punter and long-snapper).
Good deal. How does everyone else feel about this 53-man roster. Any released players who you think would make good fits on the Week 1 roster? Practice squad members? Discuss in the comments, Twitter or Facebook.