Tennessee Titans: Opportunity knocks for Kalif Raymond in Week 14

Tennessee Titans wide receiver Kalif Raymond has a chance to really shine in Week 14 against the Oakland Raiders.

When the Tennessee Titans take the field on Sunday against the Oakland Raiders, wide receiver Kalif Raymond could have one of the best chances he’s ever had at showcasing what he can do on a football field.

We first saw Raymond’s ability flashed during training camp and then the preseason, as he was regularly atop the Titans’ box score for receivers during the exhibition slate.

Raymond also made the team’s 53-man roster before the start of the season, but bounced back-and-forth from the roster to the practice squad before getting his first chance to play in Week 9 against the Carolina Panthers.

Raymond made his first noticeable impact in Week 10 when he caught a 52-yard pass from Ryan Tannehill that set the Titans up for their first score of the game against the Kansas City Chiefs. It was a huge play because, at the time, the Titans were losing 10-0.

In Week 13, Raymond answered the bell in a big way once again. His 40-yard touchdown catch that saw him lay out to complete the scoring play put the dagger in the Indianapolis Colts and helped the Titans to a vital divisional win.

In Week 14, Raymond could see his role increased in more ways than one.

Tennessee will be without one receiver in slot man Adam Humphries, who was ruled out on Friday — and it’s possible two receivers won’t suit up with Tajae Sharpe being listed as questionable and coming off being inactive in Week 13.

Raymond, who’s season-high in snaps came in Week 9 when he totaled 21, should see around that many or more in Week 14 if he’s tabbed to pick up the slack for Humphries, who is at worst the No. 3 option in the receiving corps. at this point in the season.

Humphries is also the team’s punt returner, and it’s expected that Raymond will take that role as well.

The Titans haven’t gotten much out of their punt return game, with the team averaging just 6.9 yards per return. Tennessee’s longest punt return of the season has been 21 yards.

After Raymond took over kick return duties from Darius Jennings, the Titans have seen a 3.3-yard increase in average yards per return, so there should be some optimism that the explosive Raymond can provide some kind of boost there, also.

Whether it be as a wide receiver, punt returner, or both, opportunity is knocking for Kalif Raymond in Week 14.