The Tennessee Titans have now held roughly two handfuls of training camp practices. Their preseason opener against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on August 9th is fast approaching. Head coach Brian Callahan will continue promoting competition all throughout the roster once for the remainder of camp and the exhibition.
Having learned more about the team during the early portion of training camp, we're updating our 53-man roster projection.
Quarterbacks: Cam Ward, Brandon Allen
Will Levis removed himself from this equation by opting for season-ending shoulder surgery. Sorting through his future will be next offseason's problem. Brandon Allen will be Cam Ward's backup. There's no need to carry third quarterback Tim Boyle on the roster.
Running backs: Tony Pollard, Tyjae Spears, Kalel Mullings
Nothing has changed at running back. Tyjae Spears has looked fast and explosive. If Spears is healthy, he'll offer the offense a fine change-of-pace option behind Tony Pollard. Rookie Kalel Mullings has maximized his opportunities by running with physicality.
Wide receivers: Calvin Ridley, Tyler Lockett, Van Jefferson, Chimere Dike, Elic Ayomanor, Bryce Oliver, James Proche II
Treylon Burks suffered a collarbone injury and was waived by the Titans, reverting back to IR. The 2022 first-round bust won't be on the 53-man roster. There are currently six locks, with Bryce Oliver establishing himself as a special teams mainstay. Rookie UDFA Xavier Restrepo hasn't been as effective as expected, and may be losing influence. Restrepo must recover to earn a spot. Meanwhile veteran James Proche II has looked good at receiver, and is the most experienced player competing for return-man duties on special teams.
Tight ends: Chig Okonkwo, Gunnar Helm, David Martin-Robinson
Rookie tight end Gunnar Helm has looked good in all areas since the pads came on at training camp. His physical presence will earn him a role as a pass catcher and blocker. David Martin-Robinson, who transformed his body this offseason, is the current favorite for TE3 duties. Thomas Odukoya and Josh Whyle are playing catch-up.
Offensive line: Dan Moore Jr., Peter Skoronski, Lloyd Cushenberry, Kevin Zeitler, JC Latham, Blake Hance, Corey Levin, Jackson Slater, Jaelyn Duncan
This scenario sees Lloyd Cushenberry, currently on the PUP due to last year's Achilles injury, recover in time to make the initial 53-man roster. Corey Levin is the primary backup center, and rookie Jackson Slater has been stringing together impressive performances. Third-year tackle Jaelyn Duncan looked good in practice earlier this week and could be the current favorite to be the swing backup at tackle behind Dan Moore and JC Latham.
Defensive line: Jeffery Simmons, T'Vondre Sweat, Sebastian Joseph-Day, James Lynch, Carlos Watkins
Jeffery Simmons, T'Vondre Sweat, and Sebastian Joseph-Day give the Titans terrific continuity inside. James Lynch feels safe, and veteran Carlos Watkins has an easier path to the roster following Keondre Coburn's surprise release.
EDGE: Arden Key, Femi Oladejo, Dre'Mont Jones, Jihad Ward, Jaylen Harrell
Lorenzo Carter's abrupt retirement changed the situation here. The Titans signed Jihad Ward, who should serve as a like-for-like replacement. Dennard Wilson will rely heavily on Arden Key, Femi Oladejo, and Dre'Mont Jones at EDGE.
Linebackers: Cody Barton, James Williams, Cedric Gray, Anfernee Orji, Curtis Jacobs
James Williams is the heavy favorite to start opposite Cody Barton in base defense. Cedric Gray is trailing well behind his sophomore teammate. Anfernee Orji and Curtis Jacobs project as special teamers who have made the occasional play on defense at camp.
Cornerbacks: L'Jarius Sneed, Jarvis Brownlee Jr., Roger McCreary, Marcus Harris, Darrell Baker Jr., Gabe Jeudy-Lally
The latest injury update on L'Jarius Sneed suggests he'll be healthy for September. Jarvis Brownlee Jr. has looked like a potential sophomore breakout at camp. The defense has a slew of cornerbacks battling for the final spot behind Darrell Baker Jr. and rookie Marcus Harris. Gabe Jeudy-Lally feels like the favorite for now.
Safeties: Amani Hooker, Xavier Woods, Kevin Winston Jr., Mike Brown, Julius Wood
There's room for five safeties. Rookie Kevin Winston Jr. has been a camp standout. Mike Brown is a familiar and quality reserve defender. Julius Wood is a good special teams player with untapped potential.
Specialists: Joey Slye (K), Johnny Hekker (P), Morgan Cox (LS)
Kicker Joey Slye has been incredibly accurate at camp. That would be a welcome development for the Titans, who took a risk this offseason by replacing the reliable Nick Folk with Slye. Johnny Hekker was brought in by new coordinator John "Bones" Fassel to punt, and Morgan Cox is an excellent long snapper.