Tennessee Titans fans couldn't contain their excitement when the team signed rookie wide receiver Xavier Restrepo as an undrafted free agent following the 2025 NFL Draft. Restrepo had a historic connection with Titans' No. 1 overall quarterback Cam Ward at Miami last season, and was quickly anointed as a UDFA steal. However, reality set in once training camp began.
Restrepo has earned the occasional rep with the second-string offense at practice, but he's spent the majority of his time with the third-string unit. He also played a disappointing 11 snaps in last week's preseason opener. Restrepo recorded zero catches on two targets, neither of which were catchable.
Titans starting receivers Calvin Ridley and Tyler Lockett did not play against the Atlanta Falcons in Week 2 of the preseason. That led to hope that Restrepo would receive a significantly larger opportunity. That wasn't necessarily the case, with Restrepo failing to play a single offensive snap during the first half.
Titans UDFA WR Xavier Restrepo is firmly on the roster bubble after Week 2 preseason win over Falcons
Restrepo is currently far down the Titans' depth chart at receiver. Wideouts who played snaps ahead of him against the Falcons included Bryce Oliver, Chimere Dike, James Proche II, and Van Jefferson. Fellow roster-bubble receivers Jha'Quan Jackson and Proche got extended looks on special teams, something that could be notable when deciding their respective fates on the 53-man roster.
Restepo entered the game offensively roughly midway through the third quarter alongside practice squad mainstay Mason Kinsey. To put things further in perspective, the running back on that drive was fourth-stringer Jordan Mims. These are back-enders on the Titans' roster.
Restrepo recorded his first catch on a five-yard out route from backup quarterback Brandon Allen. A few plays later, he nabbed a nifty 13-yard gain on a broken play that moved the Titans’ offense into the red-zone. Reserve running back Jermar Jefferson rushed for a 16-yard touchdown on the next play.
Restrepo maximized his reps, but how late his opportunities arrived was concerning for his roster chances. Head coach Brian Callahan continues to treat Restrepo like a potential cut candidate. After Friday's events, his placement on the 53-man roster is far from guaranteed.