10 Titans who should play significant snaps vs. Seahawks in Week 2 preseason

The following 10 Tennessee Titans should play a ton of snaps in Week 2 of the preseason versus the Seattle Seahawks

Aug 10, 2024; Nashville, Tennessee, USA;  Tennessee Titans quarterback Malik Willis (7) runs the ball against the San Francisco 49ers during the second half at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 10, 2024; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Tennessee Titans quarterback Malik Willis (7) runs the ball against the San Francisco 49ers during the second half at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-USA TODAY Sports | Steve Roberts-USA TODAY Sports

The Tennessee Titans endured two physical joint practice sessions with the Seattle Seahawks on Wednesday and Thursday. As a result, head coach Brian Callahan has confirmed that Saturday's preseason contest will mostly feature second and third stringers. It represents a fantastic opportunity for those players to continue making last-ditch claims to make the 53-man roster.

We've identified 10 backup Titans we're excited to watch closely on Saturday evening.

Malik Willis, QB

Callahan has already confirmed that Malik Willis will be the starting quarterback. Willis should play at least one complete half, maybe even three quarters. He's earned this opportunity to play with the second-team offense ahead of perceived backup quarterback Mason Rudolph because he's shown so much improvement as a more accurate, decisive, and aggressive passer.

Isaiah Iton, DT

A season-ending injury to Titans defensive tackle Marlon Davidson has created more opportunity for back-end players. Paul Kuharsky says that undrafted rookie Isaiah Iton was good in joint practices with the Seahawks, and should play a lot on Saturday. He's competing for a reserve interior defensive line roster spot with Quinton Bohanna, Keondre Coburn, and TK McLendon Jr.

Jha'Quan Jackson, WR

Jha'Quan Jackson scored two explosive touchdowns in Wednesday's practice session with the Seahawks. It was a glimpse into why the Titans drafted Jackson in the sixth round, as he turned short, simple passes into long scores. The former Tulane standout should receive an opportunity to carry that momentum into a live-game setting, and he should continue working as the primary punt returner.

Cole Spencer, OG

There was significant fan interest in rookie offensive guard Cole Spencer in May because the Titans gave him their largest undrafted signing bonus. Spencer hasn't made much noise at training camp, and he's competing in a crowded interior offensive line room with Andrew Rupcich, Daniel Brunskill, Lachavious Simmons, Corey Levin, and Brian Dooley.

Matthew Jackson, S

Matthew Jackson "leads" the Titans in training camp interceptions with three. His roster spot became less secure when the team added Jamal Adams and Quandre Diggs at safety. Jackson is an excellent special teams player, and should receive an opportunity to prove he's developed on defense versus the Seahawks.

James Williams, LB

Seventh-round rookie James Williams played 31 snaps against the San Francisco 49ers in last Saturday's preseason win. Williams' performance got a bit overshadowed by fellow off-ball linebackers Chance Campbell and Otis Reese, but he was outstanding in his own right. Pro Football Focus awarded him an overall grade of 81.9, and he should play an extended role against Seattle.

TK McLendon Jr., DE

Sources strongly indicate that the Titans are high on TK McLendon Jr. He's a second-year undrafted free agent that spent the majority of his rookie year on the practice squad, but worked his way into a late-season promotion to the active roster. McLendon had a coverage sack in Thursday's joint session, and figures to feature regularly on Saturday evening.

David Martin-Robinson, TE

David Martin-Robinson has the most pass-catching upside of any player battling for the third (and likely final) tight end spot. His competitors include veteran Nick Vannett, and International Pathway player Thomas Odukoya, who's in his third training camp with the Titans. Martin-Robinson made a handful of plays versus the 49ers last week, and should receive opportunities to continue showcasing his ability in the passing game.

Jarvis Brownlee Jr., CB

Cornerbacks L'Jarius Sneed, Chido Awuzie, and Roger McCreary aren't going to play versus the Seahawks. That means fifth-round rookie Jarvis Brownlee Jr. could earn the start as one of the boundary corners. Brownlee has routinely strung together standout practices as a physical cover-man.

Jaylen Harrell, EDGE

Rookie pass rusher Jaylen Harrell ran with the second-string defense alongside Rashad Weaver in joint practices. That indicates they'll be the starting duo on Saturday. A flexible defender who Callahan has said has three-down potential, Harrell is a leading in-house option to help replace Arden Key during his six-game suspension.

Schedule