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One of the best and most comprehensive features we offer every year is our Footballguys Preseason Updates. Every week this month, Bob Henry, Jason Wood, Clayton Gray, and their team of Footballguys Staffers cover every player that matters from every NFL team. It's 32-plus pages of some of the most comprehensive coverage you'll find. It's probably worth the Footballguys Premium Subscription by itself.
Updates from Week 4
If you're in a hurry, check out Joe Bryant's Preseason Insights: What You Need To Know This Week.
Preseason Updates: Quarterbacks
Several notable beat writers, including Jim Wyatt and Leonard Firestone, have chronicled Will Levis’ up-and-down preseason. Wyatt gives Levis credit for a solid week, shaking off the poor performance in the preceding joint practices. Firestone was a bit more critical, noting, " Levis had a mixed day at practice, starting slow but finishing strong. Levis completed 14 of 29 passes overall, with a couple of his throws being picked off, including one by linebacker Jack Gibbens. However, Levis showed resilience, bouncing back with a touchdown pass to Calvin Ridley and making several tight-window throws as the practice progressed. His ability to shake off early mistakes and finish the day on a high note is a positive sign for the Titans, who are counting on Levis to lead the offense effectively this season.” In the preseason finale against the Saints, Levis completed seven of his eight passes and led multiple scoring drives. His efforts shone much brighter compared to what we had seen in Seattle, where he was less effective. Mason Rudolph and Malik Willis remain set in their roles as the No. 2 and No. 3, respectively.
Preseason Updates: Running Backs
This was another quiet week for the backfield. Tony Pollard and Tyjae Spears have been the clear-cut top two backs, splitting touches in a way that gives Pollard a slight edge. Pollard ran five times for 17 yards and a touchdown against New Orleans. Spears ran four times for 12 yards and caught a 12-yard reception. Pollard and Spears have the versatility to make the running back committee effective, as neither has to be pigeon-holed into a predictable role in subpackages. ESPN’s Turron Davenport projects Hassan Haskins and Julius Chestnut to also make the team.
Preseason Updates: Wide Receivers
Calvin Ridley had a minor injury scare but should be fine for Week 1. Tyler Boyd was a massive asset in practice this week, returning from injury. Leonard Firestone writes: “One of the day's biggest stories was the return of wide receiver Tyler Boyd to the practice field. After missing some time due to injury, Boyd immediately made his presence felt, catching four passes, including a couple of impressive grabs from quarterback Will Levis. Boyd’s return boosts the Titans’ receiving corps and reaffirms his importance as a key target in the passing game. His chemistry with Levis was on full display, and his ability to make tough catches will be crucial as the team looks to solidify its offensive rhythm.” Boyd is unheralded but can be an effective No. 2 while DeAndre Hopkins recovers and becomes one of the league’s top third receivers after that. Treylon Burks, Nick Westbrook-Ikhine, and Jha’Quan Jackson are the favorites to round out the roster.
Preseason Updates: Tight Ends
Davenport believes “[Chig] Okonkwo and [Josh] Whyle will see the bulk of the action.” Nick Vannett looks set as the No. 3 despite signing with the Titans a few weeks ago. The X-factor is David Martin-Robinson, who looked good in all facets toward the end of camp.
Preseason Updates: Defense
Brian Callahan had some great things to say in an interview with Jim Wyatt, mentioning that the Titans' defense has been “a pain in the butt” on third downs, which is great to hear. According to Leonard Firestone, superstar Jeffery Simmons made many highlight plays, disrupting the offense. The rest of the defense had no major standouts or significant reports, but as Callahan said, they have continued to be disruptive and could make some noise this season.
Preseason Updates: Returners
If Kearis Jackson makes the final 53-man roster, it will be strictly for his ability as a returner. If the team decides they want more versatility out of the roster spot, Jha’Quan Jackson and Tyjae Spears can handle returns.
Updates from Week 3
If you're in a hurry, check out Joe Bryant's Preseason Insights: What You Need To Know This Week.
Preseason Updates: Quarterbacks
The Titans had two days of joint practices with the Seattle Seahawks. Off the field, Will Levis had a fun moment showing off the new cologne he made in partnership with Hellmann's, but when it came time to play football against the Seahawks, he struggled. According to Jim Wyatt, he went 21-of-35 with two interceptions in the two joint practices. However, Mason Rudolph and Malik Willis continued to play well as they battled for the No. 2 spot. Based on most reports, Rudolph has the lead. Willis got the start and played the first three drives but failed to put any points on the board. Rudolph played the next two drives and led the team to a touchdown. They rotated back and forth during the rest of the game.
Preseason Updates: Running Backs
Tony Pollard and Tyjae Spears impressed against Seattle’s run defense. Spears showed burst off the line, and Pollard had a number of highlight plays. According to Turron Davenport of ESPN, "Brian Callahan called Tony Pollard and Tyjae Spears two of the best pass-blocking backs. Said he's never had two backs together that are that good in pass protection." Neither Pollard nor Spears played in the game, allowing Julius Chestnut to run 13 times for 45 yards with two receptions for 29 yards.
Preseason Updates: Wide Receivers
Wyatt was disappointed with Calvin Ridley’s performance in the joint practices: “I can't lie – I was expecting to see more from receiver Calvin Ridley in these practices, especially after he'd been tearing it up during the first few weeks of camp. But Ridley never seemed to get in the flow, and it's clear his connection with Levis still needs work.” DeAndre Hopkins, who could’ve been out up to six weeks, aims to be back by Week 1. Treylon Burks had an up-and-down week and left Thursday’s practice with the trainers; fortunately, it turned out to be cramping. According to Nathaniel Marrero of Sports Illustrated, rookie Jha'Quan Jackson stood out during the team periods. He had two explosive plays, including a 70-yard touchdown from Mason Rudolph. His explosive nature could earn him a role this season.
Preseason Updates: Tight Ends
The depth chart revealed a surprising detail this past week as Chig Okonkwo and Josh Whyle were listed as "co-starters." Whyle had a quiet rookie season cut short due to injury, but it seems he has made an impact in camp. When asked about the depth chart, Head coach Brian Callahan told reporters that Whyle is more of a Y, and Okonkwo is more of an F. Y tight ends tend to block, and Fs play receiver roles.
Preseason Updates: Kickers
Long-time kicker Nick Folk was seen as entrenched as the starter going into camp, but rookie Brayden Narveson’s performance against the Seahawks opened a question about whether the team had a legitimate position battle. Narveson went 3 of 3 on field goal attempts, including a 59-yard kick and a 46-yard kick to win as time expired. Coach Callahan said Folk still had a “firm grasp” on the job, but he “loved” seeing Narveson’s success. There won’t be a spot for Narveson on the Titans' roster, but other teams may have taken notice of his performance.
Preseason Updates: Defense
The defense looked sharp against Seattle in joint practices. Jeffery Simmons made a highlight video where he tossed Seattle linemen around with brute force and power. The defense created a lot of pressure and forced interceptions out of Geno Smith and Sam Howell. In the preseason game, only a few of their starters played, but the Seattle offense struggled all game long, only getting into the endzone once and putting up just 239 total offensive yards.
Preseason Updates: Offensive Lines
The Titans brought in new head coach Brian Callahan and his father Bill to coach the line. The improvement in players like right tackle Nicholas Petit-Frere and right guard Dillon Radunz is notable. The left side of rookie left tackle JC Latham (Round 1 – Alabama) and last year's first-rounder left guard Peter Skoronski could be exceptional in the running game. Latham has been rocky in pass protection this preseason. Free agent center Lloyd Cushenberry (Denver) had a breakthrough campaign last year. This team ranks 32nd, but it doesn't fully reflect their potential or the Bill Callahan effect.
Updates from Week 2
If you're in a hurry, check out Joe Bryant's Preseason Insights: What You Need To Know This Week.
Preseason Updates: Quarterbacks
The quarterback room has seen little change in camp so far. Senior Writer Jim Wyatt has noted that Will Levis continues to look sharp, with few mistakes. Meanwhile, Mason Rudolph is keeping a stranglehold on the backup job. Wyatt writes, "Rudolph hasn't left a crack in the door for [Malik] Willis to pass him. The veteran quarterback has been remarkably accurate in the first seven training camp practices and looks poised to win the backup job." Against the 49ers, Levis was effective, completing 4 of 5 passes for 35 yards and leading the team to two scoring drives. Willis made some electrifying plays in the running game (42 yards on four carries) with the third team.
Preseason Updates: Running Backs
"He's been a great brother to work with," Tyjae Spears said of new teammate Tony Pollard. "We're still working, and we still have a lot of things to clean up. But we're off to a great start." Jim Wyatt says both tailbacks have been impressive, noting, "The running backs once again made some impressive runs, including a Tony Pollard sprint to the corner of the end zone to finish off a drive engineered by Levis. Running back Tyjae Spears showcased a double jump-cut on one touchdown run late, which was very impressive. Spears started off the first team period with a touchdown run." Against the 49ers, Pollard ran four times for 35 yards and caught two passes for 11 yards, while Spears ran three times for just two yards but scored the red zone touchdown.
Preseason Updates: Wide Receivers
Outside of DeAndre Hopkins’ injury, it’s been a relatively quiet camp for the receivers. Calvin Ridley is solidifying his No. 1 status while concerns about depth behind him persist. Treylon Burks ran with the starters on the first two drives and made a solid catch, contributing to a touchdown drive. However, he didn’t flash as much as hoped. Ridley had only one catch but looked fast and explosive with the ball. There is uncertainty at the bottom of the roster as veterans Kyle Philips and Mason Kinsey are being pushed by Jha’Quan Jackson and Kearis Jackson.
Preseason Updates: Tight Ends
The tight ends have not made much of an impact in camp. Josh Whyle was listed as the co-starter alongside Chig Okonkwo in the first unofficial depth chart, but we’ll need to see more evidence of their respective roles in the coming preseason games.
Preseason Updates: Defense
Unlike last week, there were no significant fights at camp. However, the Titans did suffer a major loss as linebacker Garret Wallow will miss the season with a torn pectoral muscle. The defense performed well against the 49ers, even without many top starters like Jeffery Simmons, Harold Landry III, L'Jarius Sneed, Chidobe Awuzie, and Quandre Diggs, who didn’t play a single snap.
Preseason Updates: Returners
Undrafted rookie Kearis Jackson made the team as its top returner last year but suffered a season-ending injury in Week 2. He is fighting to reclaim the job but currently trails Tyjae Spears for kickoff returns and Mason Kinsey on punts. However, a 63-yard kickoff return in the team’s opening preseason game certainly helps his case.
Updates from Week 1
If you're in a hurry, check out Joe Bryant's What You Need To Know From Every Team This Week.
Preseason Updates: Quarterbacks
After a rookie season that left much to be desired, Will Levis is the most impactful piece of the offense this season. His rapport with new head coach Brian Callahan, offensive coordinator Nick Holz, and his potential second-year breakout will dramatically change the Titans' future. In a recent interview with the media, Holz said he's happy with Will Levis' decision-making in camp so far in not forcing throws into tight coverage, according to Leaf-Chronicle, a local newspaper. According to Jeremy Brener of Sports Illustrated, Callahan said Levis is "incredibly confident right now, and he's earned that confidence." He also noted that coaches have told him his hard work all offseason has paid off. Mason Rudolph currently has the edge over Malik Willis for the No. 2 job.
Preseason Updates: Running Backs
Tyjae Spears had a strong rookie season behind Derrick Henry. Despite this, the Titans signed former Cowboy Tony Pollard to a 3-year, $20 million contract. The main question is who will lead the backfield between these two versatile, pass-catching backs. Pollard has received more media attention and special teams opportunities, but the coaches see the competition as even. According to The Tennessean, Offensive Coordinator Nick Holz mentioned they're still determining how to best use both players, with the "hot hand" likely dictating playing time. This backfield battle remains one to watch in the coming weeks.
Preseason Updates: Wide Receivers
With uncertainty surrounding Will Levis at quarterback, it's unclear which Titans' wide receiver to trust in fantasy. However, Calvin Ridley has emerged as the top target in training camp, drawing significant attention from reporters and in camp videos. According to Jim Wyatt on the Tennessee Titans website, DeAndre Hopkins is expected to miss "several weeks," potentially jeopardizing his Week 1 status. This elevates Ridley's role in the offense and allows Treylon Burks, who has also made a positive impression in camp, a chance to revive his career. Veteran free agent Tyler Boyd will also benefit from Hopkins’ injury, but he’s set to be on the field as the slot receiver much of the time, regardless.
Preseason Updates: Tight Ends
Tennessee's tight end room has been tranquil for camp thus far. Chig Okonkwo has a stranglehold on the number one tight end spot, seeing most of the first-team reps, deservedly so. Not only has he flashed some great things in the NFL, making some big plays for the offense, but the rest of the tight ends don't provide serious competition for the number one job.
Preseason Updates: Defense
Buck Reising of AtoZ Sports Nashville was at practice when a massive fight broke out. "(Jeffery) Simmons just swung at Latham after some pushing and shoving… The refs said 98 would have been tossed in the game. He's back in for the next two and immediately starts a brawl. Sloppy. Simmons needs to lock it in." On a more positive note, Kenneth Murray Jr. —who signed a two-year, $15.5 million deal this offseason—is performing well. Jim Wyatt wrote: "Linebacker Kenneth Murray Jr. had another impactful day rushing the passer and in coverage and run support. Murray broke up one pass intended for Pollard. He's been very noticeable in camp. Also, Jon Glennon got this quote from linebackers coach Frank Bush: "What we're going to allow him to do is just turn himself loose within the system."
