After months of the fan base begging for the Tennessee Titans to give undrafted rookie wide receiver Xavier Restrepo a chance, the coaching staff finally handed him his NFL debut in Week 12. Restrepo took full advantage of the opportunity. He showcased legit chemistry with his college quarterback Cam Ward, registering two receptions for 26 yards.
Restrepo and Ward had their moments in that exciting 30-24 loss to the Seattle Seahawks. Restrepo received another opportunity versus the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 13. The former Miami Hurricanes standout played fewer snaps, having injured his ankle after 11 snaps.
After enduring a multi-week stint on the sidelines, Restrepo practiced for the first time this week since suffering that ankle injury on Nov. 30. Despite all indications being that Restrepo is healthy and available, the Titans did not elevate him from the practice squad for Sunday's Week 16 tilt with the Kansas City Chiefs.
The Titans just made their stance on Restrepo crystal clear.
UDFA WR Xavier Restrepo can't get back in Titans lineup for Week 16
The Titans are fairly healthy at wide receiver right now. Rookies Chimere Dike and Elic Ayomanor have been mainstays in the lineup. Veteran Van Jefferson has played an increased role in recent weeks. These three pass catchers will serve as Ward's top three wideouts against the Chiefs on Sunday.
Mason Kinsey and James Proche are also on the active 53-man roster. Proche has impressed, but Kinsey is a more controversial selection. Restrepo outplayed Kinsey when in the lineup, but for some reason, the Titans prefer the latter on special teams.
Restrepo unfortunately suffered an injury after finally getting into the lineup. Now that he's healthy again, the Titans just made their stance on the rookie UDFA crystal clear. Restrepo isn't viewed as a solution to the TItans' wide receiver woes despite having a rapport with Ward.