In his first press conference after training camp, Tennessee Titans GM Mike Borgonzi called the practice squad an extension of the 53-man roster. If that is true, the Titans will receive contributions from their practice squad players this season.
Now that veterans can be stashed on the practice squad and called up to the game-day roster multiple times each year, it really is just an additional pool of talent that Borgonzi and Brian Callahan can use to augment their roster.
Looking at the way the roster is built right now, three players stand out as the most likely options to jump to the main roster.
3 Titans practice squad players who will contribute in 2025
James Proche, WR/PR
Proche seemed destined to start the season as the team's primary returner until Chimere Dike had his feet under him. However, the Titans cut Proche and stated they are comfortable with Dike as their return man, even noting his return ability was one of the most appealing aspects of his game when they drafted him.
While Proche might not be the team's starting punt returner anymore, he is still a player who can wear a lot of hats. Aside from his experience as a returner, Proche also has a resume in punt and kick coverage. On top of that, he showed potential value as a receiver throughout training camp.
During the preseason, Proche was great at creating yards after the catch and making plays in tight spaces. That is something that no one else on the roster did with consistency during the exhibition, and if the Titans want to improve their screen-game this season, then Proche can be an asset there as well.
Corey Levin, iOL
Because Levin wasn't subject to waivers, the Titans released him and immediately placed him on the practice squad. However, he is the team's backup center, and the Titans coaching staff raved about his consistency and dependability throughout the offseason.
Even though Lloyd Cushenberry is trending toward being able to start in Week 1, the Titans would be crazy to keep Levin on the practice squad for too long. You have to prepare for the worst and hope for the best in this business, and the Titans need to be preparing for a world where Cushenberry isn't ready to go.
Since you can only call up a player from the practice squad three times, Levin could be back on the 53-man roster before October.
John Ojukwu, OT
Ojukwu played his way into being the Titans' go-to option as a sixth lineman in jumbo packages. That means he has a role on this offense, even if it is a niche role that will only get him on the field for a handful of snaps per game.
Like Levin, Ojukwu still has a place on the team, but the Titans seem to be trying to protect Brandon Crenshaw-Dickson from being claimed on waivers. So Borgonzi had to be strategic on who to cut and when, even though their goal is to have all three on the roster or practice squad.
Offensive linemen and cornerbacks tend to be two positions that deal with a lot of injuries over the course of a season. That means that whether he's a starter or a backup, Ojukwu could be brought up to do more than just come in as an extra tackle in short-yardage situations.