Four protected Titans.
The Tennessee Titans finalized their practice squad today with 16 players as the team prepares to kick off the season against the Denver Broncos on Monday night. After finalizing cuts late last week, the Titans brought back some players to add depth for the team.
Headlining the practice squad is former starting quarterback Trevor Siemian. After being cut last week, Tennessee was able to sign him to stay with the team. They also were able to keep cornerback Tye Smith, kicker Tucker McCann, and wide receiver Cameron Batson.
The NFL has made some modifications to the practice squad that allows teams to carry additional players. While the original CBA upped the players to 12, the complications from COVID-19 allows teams to carry 16 players now.
However, the most interesting wrinkle due to the coronavirus pandemic is the ability for teams to retain exclusivity for four players. That means the Titans can name four players that will not allow other teams to poach players off of the Titans practice squad. This is crucial as the Titans have seen valuable assets being signed away to other teams.
Tennessee finalized their four players today. Let’s take a look at who they protected and what that means for the team.