The Tennessee Titans have made constant changes to the 53-man roster and practice squad since the initial reveal. A plethora of 53-man roster moves followed on Monday and Tuesday. On Wednesday, general manager Mike Borgonzi confirmed additional practice squad changes that indicate the 16-man team has taken shape in preferred fashion.
Following procedural rules, Borgonzi has finally added several players back to the practice squad he waived from the initial 53 following waiver wire claims. The Titans' roster is beginning to feel truly set for the Week 1 matchup versus the New York Jets.
With the practice squad largely set, we've ranked the 10 best reserve-team players the Titans managed to retain.
10. Tyren Montgomery, WR
Tyren Montgomery was a predraft darling story, as the D-III product earned a Senior Bowl invite and went on to impress in Mobile's competitive environment. He ended up signing with the Titans after going undrafted, and his rawness was more evident at camp. Montgomery is an intriguing developmental prospect, and he should get the extra reps he needs on the practice squad.
9. Jalyn Holmes, DL
It's good to have experience on the reserve squad, and veteran defensive lineman Jalyn Holmes has been in the NFL since 2018. Holmes played more than 250 regular-season snaps for the Washington Commanders last season, notching 21 tackles and seven pressures. He had one sack in the preseason for the Titans.
8. Jerrick Reed II, S
Jerrick Reed II was a surprise inclusion in the first edition of the 53-man roster. When the Titans signed veteran safety Terrell Burgess in free agency on Monday, Reed's roster spot was sacrificed. It's no surprise to see him return via the practice squad, as he possesses legitimate special teams ability.
7. Mo Diabate, LB
Mo Diabate made the initial 53-man roster, but got bumped off for fellow linebacker Owen Pappoe. Naturally, he's now taking the spot of the initial linebacker on the practice squad, undrafted rookie Mani Powell. Diabate is an NFL-caliber player at his position who will probably end up on the 53-man roster at some point this season.
6. K.J. Osborn, WR
The Titans have four receivers on the practice squad. K.J. Osborn is the most experienced one. With three 500+ receiving yard seasons on his resume, Osborn feels like a seamless call-up if one of the Titans' bigger-bodied receivers (Elic Ayomanor, Carnell Tate) suffers an injury. He was legitimately in the mix for a roster spot after a stellar camp.
5. Kalel Mullings, RB
Sophomore running back Kalel Mullings was injured for the latter portion of camp and the preseason, severely hindering his chances of making the roster. In truth, Julius Chestnut was running away (literally) with the final spot anyway. Mullings still carries intrigue as a short-yardage option and special teams ace, so getting him back on the practice squad was a good outcome.
4. Jalen McMurray, CB
Undrafted rookie cornerback Jalen McMurray had a better camp than most fans realize. He ran as third-team nickel and impressed special teams coordinator John "Bones" Fassel with his capabilities in that phase. If any of the Titans' special teams aces suffer an injury, McMurray will be near the top of Bones' call-up list.
3. Erick Hallett II, CB
Cornerback Erick Hallett II was arguably the biggest surprise waive on Monday after making the 53. He played seriously well throughout camp and the preseason, but the Titans decided to bring in waiver claim Melvin Smith at his position. The Titans are fortunate to hold onto Hallett, who officially joined the practice squad on Wednesday morning.
2. Michael Carter, RB
Veteran running back Michael Carter produced 166 all-purpose yards during the preseason as a runner, receiver, and kickoff specialist. Unfortunately, he was always trailing Chestnut and rookie Nicholas Singleton. Carter played for Saleh in New York, and would totally be productive in a pinch if an injury occurred. His skill set is similar to Tyjae Spears's.
1. Xavier Restrepo, WR
Fan-favorite Xavier Restrepo initially made the 53-man roster, but was waived roughly 24 hours later when the Titans made five new additions to the roster. With the fanbase collectively holding its breath, Restrepo signed back to the Titans' practice squad, sources confirmed to Titan Sized. He had an excellent camp and preseason, and will almost certainly play on offense in 2026.
Other practice squad Titans: TE Joel Wilson, CB Shemar Bartholomew, IOL Drew Moss, DT Timmy Horne, QB Hendon Hooker, OL Rasheed Miller, DT Laki Tasi (international exemption).
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