The Tennessee Titans practiced on Friday morning. The initially unplanned session was added to their schedule after a pair of disappointing practices for the offense earlier this week. Rookie quarterback Cam Ward virally called the offense "mid" following Wednesday's practice, likely prompting head coach Brian Callahan to fit in another scrimmage.
Calvin Ridley and T'Vondre Sweat did not practice. Callahan said neither player is dealing with a serious setback, even citing "rest" in both cases, though the latter is dealing with a minor abdominal issue.
Which players managed to stand out — for better or worse? Let's take a closer look at what occurred at Friday's training camp session by identifying the studs and duds from the Titans' third practice in pads.
Studs and Duds from Friday's Titans training camp practice
Stud: QB Cam Ward
Ward was "more crisp" at Friday's practice, per Paul Kuharsky. He delivered a strike to rookie wideout Chimere Dike for a big yards-after-catch gain, and on the next rep, hit Van Jefferson down the left sideline for a big gain, per JT Ruhnke. It's encouraging to hear after the rookie quarterback had a pair of disappointing practices earlier this week. Ward continues to grow as a first-year QB, and Friday's session was a step in the right direction.
Stud: CB Roger McCreary
Nickel cornerback Roger McCreary had an interception for a second straight practice. McCreary undercut a Tyler Lockett route for a would-be pick-six interception, according to John Glennon. The fourth-year corner is among the most reliable players on the Titans' defense.
Dud: QB Tim Boyle
Tim Boyle is attempting to convince the Titans to keep a third quarterback behind Ward and Brandon Allen. On Friday, Boyle was intercepted by veteran cornerback Amani Oruwariye during a two-minute period, per Turron Davenport. That won't help his bid.
Stud: OT Jaelyn Duncan
Third-year blocker Jaelyn Duncan has strung together numerous impressive practices in a row since the pads came on. At Friday's session, offensive line coach Bill Callahan vocally praised him during a pass-set drill, per Zach Lyons. Duncan also strung together multiple "wins" in OL-vs-DL drills. The former Maryland standout has been gaining momentum for a roster spot.
Stud: WR James Proche II
Veteran receiver James Proche made multiple eye-opening plays at Friday's practice, per Davenport. Kuharsky called him the "current WR7," while Easton Freeze called him "the most productive receiver in 11-on-11 drills through six practices. Proche is making a strong push to make the 53-man roster.