Titans vs. Bears preview: Will Derrick Henry, starters play?

NASHVILLE, TN - DECEMBER 2: Marcus Mariota #8 of the Tennessee Titans hands off the ball to Derrick Henry at Nissan Stadium on December 2, 2018 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Frederick Breedon/Getty Images)
NASHVILLE, TN - DECEMBER 2: Marcus Mariota #8 of the Tennessee Titans hands off the ball to Derrick Henry at Nissan Stadium on December 2, 2018 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Frederick Breedon/Getty Images)
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Tennessee Titans wide receiver, Kalif Raymond.
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE – AUGUST 25: Kalif Raymond #14 of the Tennessee Titans is tackled by Cameron Heyward #97 of the Pittsburgh Steelers during the second half of a preseason game at Nissan Stadium on August 25, 2019 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Frederick Breedon/Getty Images)

Players to watch: Part 1

Taywan Taylor and Kalif Raymond

As I already mentioned, the last wide receiver spot on the roster likely comes down to these two. The stories of Raymond and Taylor have been going in opposite directions since Preseason Week 1.

Raymond has shined, both as a receiver and a returner. The Holy Cross product has led the Titans in receiving in two of the three exhibition games and is averaging 14 yards per return between both punts and kickoffs.

Taylor’s contributions in the receiving game has been lackluster to say the least. He started off the preseason with a disastrous showing after he dropped two passes and failed to get his feet in-bounds on another target against the Philadelphia Eagles.

The former Titans third-round pick has been able to avoid drops the last two weeks, but only has six catches for 57 yards through three games. Raymond, on the other hand, almost totaled more catches (five) and actually did finish with more yards (58) in the last preseason game than Taylor has posted in three.

There’s no doubt who has earned a spot more based on the numbers and overall play. Taylor’s future in Tennessee could be in doubt, and saving grace as the lone deep threat on this Titans offense doesn’t even hold water anymore because Raymond can fill that role.

Schedule