The Tennessee Titans opened their 2025 preseason with a 29-7 defeat to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Most importantly, rookie quarterback Cam Ward played admirably during his brief appearance. Elsewhere, roster battles became clearer as the Titans get ready to submit their initial 53-man roster roughly three weeks from now.
A significant injury occurred that changed our previous 53-man roster article. Additional signings and player cuts have also occurred. Competition continues to decide roster spots.
With that in mind, here's a 53-man roster projection following the first week of the preseason.
Titans 53-man roster projection after Buccaneers game in Week 1 of the preseason
Quarterbacks: Cam Ward, Brandon Allen
The Titans have a backup quarterback problem. Both Brandon Allen and Tim Boyle were horrible in Saturday's defeat to the Buccaneers. Unless an upgrade becomes available at a decent price, Allen projects as the No. 2 behind Ward.
Running backs: Tony Pollard, Julius Chestnut, Kalel Mullings
Tyjae Spears PUP*
Tyjae Spears suffered a high-ankle sprain against the Buccaneers that will sideline him for multiple weeks. That could mean Spears begins the campaign on the PUP. The Titans could consider acquiring help elsewhere, but both Kalel Mullings and Julius Chestnut impressed on Saturday.
Wide receivers: Calvin Ridley, Tyler Lockett, Van Jefferson, Chimere Dike, Elic Ayomanor, Bryce Oliver, James Proche II
Allen and Boyle make it difficult to assess the backup receivers. Fan favorite Xavier Restrepo played just 11 offensive snaps and worked into the rotation as a fourth-string player. His chances aren't looking good. Meanwhile James Proche II had an explosive punt return wiped out by a holding penalty, but the return itself increased his chances of securing a role on special teams.
Tight ends: Chig Okonkwo, Gunnar Helm, David Martin-Robinson
Rookie tight end Gunnar Helm looked good in flashes. Chig Okonkwo helped Ward convert a first down early. Recent draft pick Josh Whyle played just 11 snaps and appears to be losing the TE3 battle to David Martin-Robinson. Thomas Odukoya only played three snaps.
Offensive line: Dan Moore Jr., Peter Skoronski, Lloyd Cushenberry, Kevin Zeitler, JC Latham, Blake Hance, Corey Levin, Jackson Slater, Jaelyn Duncan
Starting center Lloyd Cushenberry could return to practice soon, meaning he could potentially get healthy in time for Week 1. Andrew Rupcich played a position-high 46 snaps and nearly made this 53-man roster projection over Blake Hance. Hance needs to get healthy and start practicing because this is starting to feel like a 50-50 fight. Rookie Jackson Slater impressed via 42 snaps, and Jaelyn Duncan is starting to look like the swing tackle.
Defensive line: Jeffery Simmons, T'Vondre Sweat, Sebastian Joseph-Day, James Lynch, Timmy Horne
Timmy Horne is a surprise new inclusion. Horne played a position-high 39 snaps and appears to be the backup nose tackle behind T'Vondre Sweat. That's notable after cutting Keondre Coburn. James Lynch had an impressive first quarter, and continues to feel like an underappreciated roster lock.
EDGE: Arden Key, Femi Oladejo, Dre'Mont Jones, Jihad Ward, Jaylen Harrell
Rookie Femi Oladejo struggled and looked raw during his debut. Jihad Ward had a sack, but it was a coverage sack after the quarterback held onto the ball for multiple seconds. Jaylen Harrell suffered an injury, but appeared to escape without it being serious.
Linebackers: Cody Barton, James Williams, Cedric Gray, Otis Reese, Curtis Jacobs
Anfernee Orji IR*
Anfernee Orji, who was included last time out, suffered a season-ending torn ACL in joint practice with the Buccaneers. That's so unfortunate. For now, we have Otis Reese replacing him, but it's concerning that he didn't play a snap on Saturday. Perhaps GM Mike Borgonzi will replace Orji with another roster-caliber linebacker.
Cornerbacks: L'Jarius Sneed, Jarvis Brownlee Jr., Roger McCreary, Marcus Harris, Darrell Baker Jr., Gabe Jeudy-Lally
Nothing has changed at cornerback. Some of the Titans' reserves at the position, especially Jalen Kimber, looked terrible on Saturday. Gabe Jeudy-Lally continues to feel like the favorite for the final roster spot, though a veteran acquisition feels possible.
Safeties: Amani Hooker, Xavier Woods, Kevin Winston Jr., Mike Brown, Quandre Diggs
Quandre Diggs was re-signed since our latest projection. That kicks Julius Wood, who played well on Saturday, off the roster in this experiment. Perhaps Wood is pushing Mike Brown for the fifth spot. Rookie Kevin Winston Jr. should recover from knee soreness to avoid the PUP.
Specialists: Joey Slye (K), Johnny Hekker (P), Morgan Cox (LS)
Joey Slye continues to kick well enough to avoid competition. Punter Johnny Hekker was average at best versus the Buccaneers and will need to improve to meet expectations. Morgan Cox is the best long snapper in the NFL.