4 roster battles worth monitoring in Titans preseason game versus 49ers
By Justin Melo
No. 4 Cornerback
The Titans possess a clear top three at cornerback, but none of them may play versus the 49ers. Playing L'Jarius Sneed would go against his workload management plan. Chido Awuzie will miss the game with a calf injury, and Roger McCreary doesn't necessarily need the reps.
Caleb Farley, Tre Avery, and Jarvis Brownlee Jr. are the main corners vying for backup rotational roles. Farley is week-to-week with a hamstring injury, which could severely impact his chances of making the 53 man roster.
Tre Avery is a third-year pro and former undrafted free agent that's played a lot of reps over the past two seasons. In 2023, Pro Football Focus credited the former Rutgers DB with allowing 32 targets on 42 receptions and a lackluster passer rating of 138.9. Avery is a steady veteran at this point, and that's more than his inexperience competitors can say.
There's an excellent chance that the Titans begin this game versus the 49ers with Brownlee and Avery in starting roles. All backup cornerbacks should play extensively. The results will help give defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson and cornerbacks coach Chris Harris clarity.