Music City Miracles
The Tennessee Titans just wrapped up two days of joint practice with the Atlanta Falcons. On Friday, they’ll meet for a preseason Week 2 showdown. With just one exhibition contest to follow, and no joint practices remaining on the offseason schedule, roster cut-down day is fast approaching.
We’ve identified five roster-bubble Titans who need an impressive showing versus the Falcons in preseason Week 2 on Friday.
Jha’Quan Jackson is still getting opportunities as a third-string receiver and potential kickoff returner. The sophomore wideout, who many assumed was an auto-cut this offseason, has a better 53-man roster chance than most realize. Jackson is fighting for the final roster spot.
The Titans haven’t seen enough from the oft-injured Josh Whyle through two seasons. With Mike Borgonzi expected to keep just three tight ends, Whyle is competing with David Martin-Robinson and Thomas Odukoya. The former Cincinnati standout is on his last legs.
Xavier Restrepo only earned 11 offensive snaps in the opening preseason game. Hopefully adding Trevor Siemian to the roster gives the Titans’ reserve pass-catchers a better opportunity to make plays. Restrepo is a UDFA fan favorite, but he’s hardly a 53-man roster lock.
The Titans have three rookie undrafted defensive lineman competing for potentially one roster spot. Phillip Blidi, Isaiah Raikes, and Cam Horsley have all occasionally flashed this summer. Veterans Timmy Horne and Carlos Watkins are competing for the same spot, meaning there are five defenders battling for one job.
Veteran safety Mike Brown was put on notice following the Quandre Diggs addition. Assuming the Titans keep five safeties, the expectation, Brown is now competing with a younger player in Julius Wood for the final spot. Wood looked good against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers last week, so this battle feels more legitimate than most realize.
