Rumors are swirling that the Tennessee Titans could put receiver Racey McMath on I.R. to start the season with a hip injury.
A few months ago that wouldn’t have been a blow to the Titans, but McMath has looked strong in the offseason and had become a player with a role in this offense.
In his first year as a pro, Racey McMath was stuck between the injured reserve list and the bottom of the depth chart. Going into his second season, he has taken a step forward and embraced his opportunity as a weapon in this offense.
The physical tools (6’3” 217) and athletic ability (4.3 40 time, 34 in. vertical) were never a question. However, his route craft and ability to consistently play with good fundamentals were.
The good news is that Mike Vrabel won the Coach of the Year award in 2021 and he and his staff have a track record of top tier player development. The 23-year-old has taken the coaching and the results have been on full display as of late.
Both in training camp and in preseason gameplay, McMath has been a bright spot. Perhaps the most promising part of his trajectory is the rise in comfort and confidence.
If post-practice interviews are any indicator, it is safe to say he, his teammates, and his coaches all believe that he is going in the right direction and becoming someone who can make plays for the Titans when healthy.
Going against a top-notch defense with guys like Kevin Byard, Amani Hooker, Caleb Farley, Roger McCreary, and Kristian Fulton, provide a pretty good litmus test for how good he might look vs different types of defensive backs.
Going against the Baltimore Ravens who are known for defensive precision and depth, McMath tallied the two most explosive plays of the game with a 48-yard reception and a 30-yard kickoff return. Seeing those plays in real-time gave a flash of special, a flash of electricity that not every player possesses.
If the Titans can stay relatively healthy this year (after this slight hiccup), they have a chance to boast a deep and diverse WR room. They may lack proven, elite talent, but they have Robert Woods and a group of team-first guys that can specialize on a rotational basis.
Before the injury, this is what the Tennessee Titans’ depth chart at wide receiver looked like and the roles each player occupied:
1. Robert Woods: The established, well-rounded leader
2. Nick Westbrook-Ikhine – The versatile receiver who has experience lining up everywhere.
3. Treylon Burks – The high ceiling monster with big play potential.
4. Kyle Phillips – An emerging talent in the slot with elite quickness and sharp routes.
5. Racey McMath – A deep threat with a freakish frame who can help on special teams.
Now the question is, what will the Tennessee Titans do to replace the role that McMath is temporarily vacating? Can they do it with just one person, or will the Tennessee Titans make multiple moves at receiver?