Titans finally saw what fans have seen in Xavier Restrepo all along

Tennessee Titans fans were excited to see rookie wide receiver Xavier Restrepo make his debut in Week 12 against the Seattle Seahawks. After calling for him to receive a promotion from the practice squad, the Titans finally made him a standard gameday elevation due to multiple injuries at the position. All that was left was to see how much playing time Restrepo would actually receive.

The undrafted free agent was sparsely used throughout the first half of Sunday's 30-24 defeat. Restrepo earned less than a handful of snaps during the first and second quarter. James Proche II, who was added to the 53-man roster following Calvin Ridley's injury, played ahead of Restrepo early, and Mason Kinsey was also involved.

With the Titans down 30-10 early in the third quarter, Restrepo swiftly saw his snap count increase. The Miami Hurricanes' all-time receiving leader ended up playing 19 total snaps. Restrepo maximized the opportunity, proving the fanbase correct for begging the coaching staff to get him on the field.

Titans rookie WR Xavier Restrepo earns the spotlight in dazzling Week 12 debut

Restrepo was Cam Ward's go-to target at Miami last season. Chemistry between quarterback and pass catcher was a popular social media debate among Titans fans last week after Ward and Mason Kinsey missed two explosive passing-game opportunities in Week 11. It didn't take long for Restrepo's chemistry to make a difference.

Facing a 3rd-and-4 while trailing 30-17 midway through the fourth quarter, Ward and the Titans offense were searching for a spark. An under-pressure Ward scrambled to his right to avoid pressure. Just as he was running out of real estate, he heaved a pass to a wide-open Restrepo, who knew exactly where his familiar quarterback wanted him to settle.

Restrepo officially logged two receptions for 26 receiving yards. The box score doesn't paint a complete picture. His first target was thrown by Ward into the end zone. All-Pro cornerback Devon Witherspoon broke up a would-be touchdown. Later, an unofficial third catch was called back for an offensive holding penalty. In the fourth quarter, Restrepo caught a 12-yard pass down to the 1-yard line that nearly resulted in a touchdown. Ward threw a TD on the follow-up snap to Chimere Dike.

Restrepo looked like he belonged throughout his NFL debut. His on-field chemistry with Ward was tangible. And as Titans fans knew all along, he absolutely deserves a role on offense moving forward. Restrepo will certainly play again in Week 13.