The Tennessee Titans were tasked with submitting their initial 53-man roster on Sunday. The midday deadline (5 p.m. CST) was less than 24 hours after the preseason finale with the Chicago Bears. General manager Mike Borgonzi and head coach Robert Saleh immediately went to work on trimming the roster down.
The Titans were defeated 24-15 by the Bears in the preseason finale. It was an extended showing for backend roster players, and some difficult position battles were decided. That is reflected in this initial 53-man squad.
So which 53 players did Borgonzi and Saleh choose to enter the 2026 campaign with? We've compiled position-by-position breakdowns following the initial decisions. This is the Titans' official 53, but additional turnover is likely coming on Monday via the waiver-wire process.
Tennessee Titans' initial 53-man roster for the 2026 season
Quarterbacks: Cam Ward, Mitch Trubisky
As expected, the Titans move forward with Cam Ward and Mitch Trubisky as their quarterbacks. Will Levis and Hendon Hooker were both waived. The Titans will add a quarterback to the practice squad, but won't carry three on the active roster. They couldn't even get a late-round pick for Levis.
Running backs: Tony Pollard, Tyjae Spears, Nicholas Singleton, Julius Chestnut
The Titans decided on four running backs due to Julius Chestnut's excellent abilities on special teams. Tony Pollard and Tyjae Spears are the workhorse backs. Rookie Nicholas Singleton was impressed in the preseason finale.
Wide receivers: Carnell Tate, Wan'Dale Robinson, Calvin Ridley, Chimere Dike, Elic Ayomanor, Xavier Restrepo
Borgonzi goes with six receivers. Xavier Restrepo is the surprise inclusion, and it'll please fans as the sophomore wideout was consistently productive throughout the offseason. Bryce Oliver is the surprise cut. Mason Kinsey, Hank Beatty, and K.J. Osborn were among the other notable cuts.
Tight ends: Gunnar Helm, Daniel Bellinger, Kylen Granson, David Martin-Robinson
David Martin-Robinson earned his roster spot behind Daniel Bellinger and Gunnar Helm. Tight ends will play an underrated role in Brian Daboll's offense. That's why they decided to go heavy, with veteran Kylen Granson as the fourth.
Offensive line: Dan Moore, Peter Skoronski, Austin Schlottmann, Fernando Carmona, JC Latham, Jackson Slater, Pat Coogan, Brandon Crenshaw-Dickson, Austin Deculus, Garrett Dellinger
Veteran guard Cordell Volson played himself right off the roster during a dreadful preseason. Volson became expendable when Fernando Carmona won the right guard job. Brandon Crenshaw-Dickson and Austin Deculus are the swing tackles for now, but an upgrade could be found via waivers. Garrett Dellinger may be the biggest surprise on the roster, but feels like a placeholder.
Defensive line: Jeffery Simmons, John Franklin-Myers, Solomon Thomas, Jordan Elliott, Jackie Marshall
Jeffery Simmons and John Franklin-Myers are expected to carry the defensive line. Veteran acquisitions Solomon Thomas and Jordan Elliott will play rotational roles. Rookie Jackie Marshall just made the cut despite missing time sidelined.
EDGE: Jermaine Johnson II, Femi Oladejo, Jacob Martin, Keldric Faulk, Truman Jones
Losing Jaylen Harrell to a season-ending injury changed the situation here. Jacob Martin and Jermaine Johnson II are the starters. Sophomore Femi Oladejo and rookie Keldric Faulk will chip in. Sophomore Truman Jones is the surprise inclusion, but earned it by producing nine pressures and three sacks in the preseason.
Linebacker: Cedric Gray, Cody Barton, Anthony Hill Jr., James Williams, Mohamoud Diabate
*IR - Dorian Mausi
Dorian Mausi was placed on IR, opening up the presumed final spot for Mohamoud Diabate. Rookie Anthony Hill Jr. was a revelation throughout training camp and the preseason, and deserves regular-season playing time. James Williams Sr. also played himself into the rotation.
Cornerback: Alontae Taylor, Cor'Dale Flott, Marcus Harris, Micah Robinson
*IR - Joshua Williams
All eyes are on free-agent signings Alontae Taylor and Cor'Dale Flott to fix this position, with Marcus Harris playing the nickel. Joshua Williams is beginning the season on short-term IR due to an injury. Micah Robinson was the best backend corner during the offseason. It's a little surprising that both Mario Goodrich III and Keydrain Calligan got cut. The Titans are beginning the season shorthanded here.
Safety: Amani Hooker, Kevin Winston Jr., Tony Adams, Erick Hallett II, Jerrick Reed II
*Waived-Injured: Kendell Brooks
The Titans went slightly heavy here, partially due to extra roster spots after placing a few players on IR. Erick Hallett II emerged among the surprise underdogs of camp, and he deserves his roster spot. Tony Adams will support starters Amani Hooker and Kevin Winston Jr. Jerrick Reed II is a good special teams player, making it five initial safeties (Hallett is versatile).
Special teams: Joey Slye (K), Tommy Townsend (P), Morgan Cox (LS)
Placekicker Joey Slye was outstanding throughout the preseason, going 11-for-11 with multiple 50-yard conversions. Punter Tommy Townsend is the new addition to this group. Long snapper Morgan Cox is an absolute legend!
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