With one preseason game in the books, the Tennessee Titans get back to work. Training camp practices roll on as the team gets set for another exhibition game against the Seattle Seahawks on Saturday.
Starting quarterback Will Levis played well and the offense was able to put a couple of nice drives together, giving Titans fans hope for this coming season. It all hinges on Levis taking a step, and from the looks of it, he's trending in that direction.
As for the rest of the team, there are still several battles to pay attention to. Outside the players who are a lock to make the team, there are some that may or may not have a chance to earn a job.
Titans players who could steal a key roster spot at training camp
Andrew Rupcich, G
A few days ago, the Titans were hit with some major, unexpected news. Saahdiq Charles retired ... now what? There's a battle at right guard, and thanks to the retirement, Andrew Rupcich now seems to have a much better shot at making this team. Heck, maybe he sneaks into the starting group. You never know.
After Saturday's preseason win over the 49ers, head coach Brian Callahan liked what he saw from some of the reserve linemen, including Rupcich. The former undrafted lineman has worked his tail off for a couple of years, as a practice squad member, and now it looks like he's got a real chance at sticking.
Callahan said Daniel Brunskill showed up on o-line, and he singled out @rupcich_andrew for his play for @Titans
— Jim Wyatt (@jwyattsports) August 11, 2024
Thomas Odukoya, TE
Since last year, there's been growing optimism about tight end Thomas Odukoya and what he can bring to this Titans team. He may not be flashy, but Odukoya has proven to do a lot of the dirty work. It's been well-documented he can block with the best of them. His strength and technique as a blocker could be extremely valuable to this team.
Now, there's been momentum building behind Odukoya and he has a legitimate shot at making the team as the third tight end behind Chigozeim Okonkwo and Josh Whyle.
Kyle Philips, WR
Some Titans fans don't exactly understand the Kyle Philips situation. He's become an enigma, it seems. Philips has had a strong camp, and he's a good player.
He is a good player.
Philips runs clean, crisp routes and simply gets open for his quarterbacks. But, there just hasn't been room for him on the roster, for whatever reason. Fortunately, this coaching staff is giving him a chance.
Again, he's had a very good camp thus far, and quite frankly, Tennessee should keep him and figure out how to get him on the field in key situations. But, we'll have to see how it plays out.
James Williams, LB
With Garret Wallow suffering a season-ending injury, that means it's "next man up." Wallow was already a reserve linebacker, but the silver lining of the situation will be for rookie seventh-round pick James Williams to try and secure a position on the final roster, now.
If his first preseason action was any indication, Williams certainly has more than just a chance. Callahan praised the rookie saying, “I don't even think James knows how good he can be yet having converted from safety. He has some things that have flashed.”