Tennessee Titans Delanie Walker talks starting training camp on PUP list
Tennessee Titans tight end Delanie Walker is unsure if he’ll start training camp on the PUP list.
Tennessee Titans tight end Delanie Walker is a candidate to open training camp on the PUP list.
Walker was forced to miss all but one game of 2018 after suffering a gruesome ankle injury in Week 1 against the Miami Dolphins in what was a devastating blow to the Titans’ offense.
While Walker is no doubt on the comeback trail and should play in 2019 barring something unforeseen, he admitted he’s not sure if he will start camp on the PUP list or not, per Jenny Vrentas of SI.com.
“I’ll leave that up to the coaches,” he said.
Walker was unable to take part in the team’s mini-camp in June, however he was positive about the progress he has made thus far this offseason.
“Just stepping on the field, running routes and doing drills, that was the biggest [hurdle],” Walker said. “I had only been running for two weeks, and being able to run routes against guys, and beating them.”
Despite his own optimism, Walker knows coaches might take it a bit slow with him.
“They’re probably not going to let me hit the ground running like I want to, but I look forward to getting into my groove.”
Is this a concern for Delanie Walker?
Even if Walker is placed on the PUP list to start camp, he’ll still be on track to be ready by Week 1, which is obviously the most important goal for the Titans with Walker. An experienced veteran like himself will be fine without practicing at training camp.
With that said, it makes no sense to even remotely rush Walker back. The more time, the better. After all, Walker is such an important part of the Titans’ offense, this coaching staff won’t be taking any chances with their star tight end.
What Delanie Walker means to the Titans
Quarterback Marcus Mariota missed Walker dearly last season.
Not only is Walker one of the best tight ends in the game, he’s also Mariota’s favorite target. His return in 2019 will be a major impact re-addition for Mariota, who is in a contract year and looking to prove to the Titans he can stick for the long haul in Tennessee.
Before his 2018 ankle injury, Walker had totaled 800 yards or more through the air in each of the four years prior, averaging five touchdowns per year. He’ll have a lot more help around him with the additions the Titans have made to their receiving corps, but he remains as vital to the Titans’ offensive success as ever.
Because of his age (35 in August) and the fact that he’s coming off such a serious injury, there is some concern about his 2019 viability.
I say as long as Walker is out there for Week 1, expect the same great play from the Titans’ No. 1 tight end that you’re accustomed to. He has more than earned the benefit of the doubt.
Training camp opens up for Titans rookies on July 22nd, and the rest of the team will report on July 25th.