The Tennessee Titans continue to revamp their roster at training camp. Despite cutdown day being exactly one week away (August 30), general manager Mike Borgonzi is still making changes. Most recently, he added veteran running back D'Ernest Johnson to the 90-man roster.
Johnson is just one example of the Titans' churning. Borgonzi has added veteran cornerbacks like Nazeeh Johnson and Mario Goodrich as well. It feels like the Titans are announcing a new transaction every other day.
Borgonzi's activity means no roster-bubble player is safe. Borgonzi is hellbent on improving this rebuilding roster. With that in mind, we've identified five Titans at risk of being released next.
Five Tennessee Titans players who could be released before roster cutdown day
Austin Deculus, OT
Austin Deculus was signed in free agency with designs on him being the swing offensive tackle. The veteran blocker has done nothing to inspire confidence. Deculus has struggled mightily in practice, during the preseason, and in joint practices against other teams. He's been leapfrogged on the depth chart by Brandon Crenshaw-Dickson. He's in legitimate danger of being cut, with the Titans aiming higher at depth tackle.
Michael Carter, RB
Michael Carter is an experienced back who has history with head coach Robert Saleh, but the Titans are fairly loaded at running back. When every ball carrier is healthy, Carter feels like the sixth back on the team, behind Tony Pollard, Tyjae Spears, rookie Nicholas Singleton, Kalel Mullings, and Julius Chestnut. Assuming the Titans keep four rushers, it's a two-man race between Chestnut and Mullings. Carter may have to settle for a spot on the practice squad.
Mason Kinsey, WR
Mason Kinsey has been with the Titans in some capacity since 2021 (after initially joining in 2020). He's bounced around the practice squad and active roster as a reserve slot wide receiver with special teams versatility. While Kinsey is often in the mix for a 53-man roster spot, the Titans are deeper at receiver than ever before. Roster-bubble options like Bryce Oliver, K.J. Osborn, Xavier Restrepo, and Hank Beatty have all had better offseasons.
Mario Goodrich III, CB
The Titans brought in Goodrich because they were dissatisfied with their backend depth at cornerback. In truth, the experienced cover-man hasn't really done anything notable to increase the competition. Micah Robinson and Keydrain Calligan are both two years younger with better developmental upside. Cornerback has been the position targeted by Borgonzi the most throughout training camp. Goodrich hasn't been impressive enough to settle matters.
Hendon Hooker, QB
Hendon Hooker has been the clear fourth-string quarterback throughout training camp. The former University of Tennessee starter isn't even competing with Mitch Trubisky or Will Levis for a role behind Cam Ward. Hooker has mostly played a selfless role, taking leftover reps at practice if they are available, while also serving as a sounding board in the meeting room. Perhaps he'll land on the Titans' practice squad, but his chances of making the 53-man roster are currently zero.
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