Titans may have already found the more reliable version of Calvin Ridley

The Tennessee Titans were quite shorthanded at wide receiver during Sunday's 30-24 Week 12 loss to the Seattle Seahawks. Veteran wide receiver Calvin Ridley has a season-ending injury, and Elic Ayomanor was ruled out with a hamstring issue. The Titans added James Proche and Xavier Restrepo to the gameday roster, with the latter making an exciting debut.

The Titans had to shuffle their alignments as a result. Two tight end sets were frequently utilized, with both Chig Okonkwo and Gunnar Helm being Cam Ward's most reliable targets. Rookie Chimere Dike, who is usually the slot receiver, spent more time playing Ridley's usual "Z" role.

Restrepo, James Proche, and Mason Kinsey are natural slot receivers. Dike moved around the formation as needed. He was outstanding, scoring two total touchdowns, possibly proving he could be Ridley's long-term replacement in the lineup.

Titans WR Chimere Dike could be hand-chosen as Calvin Ridley's replacement

The electric Dike first made his impact via a 90-yard punt return touchdown in the third quarter. He currently leads the league in kickoff (1,206) return yards and ranks first in average yards gained on punt returns (23.8). Dike has been an All-Pro-level special teams returner and certified Titans draft-day steal.

Dike also caught Ward's lone touchdown pass. On a first-and-goal from the Seahawks' one-yard line, Ward rolled right and found a wide-open Dike in the end zone. It was his fourth total touchdown of his rookie campaign.

Ridley is a potential offseason cap casualty. The Titans could create as much as $18.7 million in additional cap space by releasing Ridley as a post-June designation, according to Over The Cap. If Mike Borgonzi parts ways with the team's most experienced receiver, a replacement will be needed. The Titans need to get better at wide receiver this coming offseason, but Dike is currently performing like a long-term solution.