Tennessee Titans release Phillip Supernaw, place Nate Palmer on IR

The Tennessee Titans made two noteworthy moves on Tuesday afternoon, releasing TE Phillip Supernaw and placing LB Nate Palmer on IR.

With the preseason opener nearing on Thursday, the Tennessee Titans are still in the process of finalizing their roster ahead of the duel against the Green Bay Packers. On Tuesday afternoon, the team parted ways with tight end Phillip Supernaw and placed linebacker Nate Palmer on Injured Reserve.

Supernaw had come into training camp on the Physically Unable to Perform list, but was activated late last week. After only participating in Friday’s practice, Supernaw was released today. Whether his injury played a part in his release is not yet clear, though missing a lot of offseason time probably didn’t help his chance of sticking on the roster as a backup tight end.

A special teamer and blocking tight end, Supernaw played three seasons in Nashville and caught just 14 passes for 163 yards and one touchdown, which came from quarterback Matt Cassel in the loss to the Miami Dolphins last season. Supernaw missed just one game throughout his time with the Titans.

Palmer was carted off the practice field on Monday with a lower-body injury and will likely miss the rest of the season while on IR. A core special teamer and a calming veteran presence, Palmer was expected to make the team once again as a solid backup linebacker. Palmer spent the past two seasons with the Titans and played in 24 games.

While both players contributed in their own ways over the past three seasons, neither player was considered a lock to make the final roster. Palmer was more likely due to his special teams prowess and ability, but the Titans are set at inside linebacker with Wesley Woodyard, Rashaan Evans, Jayon Brown and Will Compton. Supernaw was in a true battle with Luke Stocker for the third tight end spot, but he misses out and suffers from the new offensive scheme–which will not use the tight end as often as Mike Mularkey’s did.