Tennessee Titans

Spears amassed 838 yards from scrimmage during a promising rookie season, despite ceding the majority of touches to Derrick Henry. With Henry becoming a free agent his offseason, there had been some thought that the 2023 fifth-round draft pick could ascend to a starting role. However, the Titans are bringing in another experienced backfield option in Pollard, who exceeded 1,000 rushing yards in both of the past two seasons and boasts a three-down skill set that could relegate Spears to the bench in passing situations as well.

The defending Super Bowl champions lost Rashee Rice to a knee injury Sunday, potentially for the rest of the season, and already had Hollywood Brown on IR after he underwent shoulder surgery. With its wide receiver corps depleted, Kansas City could look outside the organization for help, and general manager Brett Veach hasn't hesitated to swing a deal for a wideout in the past, bringing in Kadarius Toney at the trade deadline in 2022. The 32-year-old Hopkins had a slow start to the season for the Titans but bounced back with six catches for 73 yards and a TD in Week 3 against the Packers.

Levis landed hard on his throwing shoulder as he dove to the sidelines on a scramble and was replaced by Mason Rudolph, who could have an opportunity to take over the starting gig with a respectable performance. Levis again struggled before departing, as one of his four pass attempts was intercepted to give him six picks in four starts this season.

The veteran cornerback played only 16 snaps in Sunday's loss to the Packers before exiting. Titans coach Brian Callahan indicated Monday that IR was "definitely a possibility" for Awuzie, who is expected to miss multiple weeks. With the team's bye coming in Week 5, however, Tennessee may be able to avoid placing him on IR, a move which would guarantee he misses at least four games. Rookie Jarvis Brownlee figures to step into the starting lineup in Awuzie's place.

Levis threw his second pick-six of the season in the loss to Green Bay, and he now has eight turnovers through three weeks. That turnover total is the highest by a quarterback in his team's first three games over the past three seasons. If Levis continues to struggle, the Titans could eventually turn to backup Mason Rudolph.

The second-year running back does have six catches through two games after recording 52 as a rookie.

Spears exited Tennessee's 24-17 Week 2 loss to the Jets due to an ankle injury and was unable to practice Wednesday, but the second-year pro is optimistic about his chances of taking the field by Sunday. Tony Pollard has 43 combined carries and targets to 16 for Spears, so even if Spears plays without limitations, Pollard should get first crack at a vulnerable Packers defense that allowed over 100 scrimmage yards to a running back in each of its first two games.

Ridley has been the only wide receiver consistently connecting with quarterback Will Levis downfield for the Titans, though perhaps DeAndre Hopkins will start to pick up a greater share of air yards now that Hopkins is further removed from the knee injury that bothered him heading into the season. Ridley has led the Titans in receiving yards in each of his first two games with the team, and he also recorded two of the six fastest speeds by a player in Week 2, reaching 20.93 and 20.8 miles per hour.

Hopkins, Tennessee's clear-cut No. 1 receiver, was a limited practice participant throughout the week. It's possible the Titans limit his snaps some, though, at this early stage of the season.

Hopkins has been a limited participant in practice as he recovers from a knee injury that sidelined him for the entire month of August. The veteran wide receiver has extensive experience playing through injuries, so if he gets the green light from trainers to suit up, Hopkins is expected to be a featured part of the game plan in a new-look Titans offense that added wide receiver Calvin Ridley and swapped out Derrick Henry for Tony Pollard in the backfield.

Willis, the Titans' third-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, doesn't have the polish of other backup quarterback options out there like Taylor Heinicke. However, Willis has the upside and demonstrated running ability that could convince a team to take a chance on the Liberty quarterback. Across two preseason outings, Willis has completed 73.9 percent of his passes for 154 yards and one interception.

Arden Key's suspension for violating the league's performance enhancing substances policy was overturned Saturday, so Harrell faces significant competition for playing time opposite Harold Landry in a deep outside linebacker group that also includes veterans Rashad Weaver and Shane Ray and second-year pro Caleb Murphy. Harrell has greatly exceeded expectations since being drafted 252nd overall in 2024, and he bolstered his case for regular-season playing time by notching two sacks and a tipped pass in 18 snaps as a starter in Saturday's 16-15 preseason win over the Seahawks.

Levis had a solid outing in Tennessee's preseason opener against San Francisco, completing four of five pass attempts for 35 yards while adding a rushing touchdown. He wasn't on the same page with his receivers during joint practices with Seattle, however, with his interception on the first play of a two-minute drill Thursday being his last throw. Head coach Brian Callahan noted after Thursday's practice that Levis' execution on the last throw was "disappointing," but Rexrode notes the second-year quarterback has had more positives than negatives during training camp.

Willis and Rudolph were expected to have an open competition for the backup role behind Will Levis, but Rudolph's hot start in training camp has put some distance between the two signal-callers. While Willis could still flip the script with a strong preseason, the 2022 third-round draft pick is likely to open the 2024 campaign third on the depth chart.

Rudolph and Willis had been set to battle it out for the backup role behind Will Levis in training camp, but Rudolph has pulled ahead by a wide margin in that competition. The 29-year-old quarterback seems to be building off his strong finish to 2023, when Rudolph won Pittsburgh's last three regular-season games and started in the Steelers' playoff loss to Buffalo.

The third-year wideout entered camp with plenty to prove to a new coaching staff, and Hopkins' injury stands to benefit Burks from an opportunity standpoint. Burks' ascension into what is essentially the Titans' No. 2 receiver role for the moment is naturally the product of circumstance and the fact veteran offseason addition Tyler Boyd is a much better fit as a No. 3 slot receiver, but Burks could certainly leverage the scenario to make a strong case to remain on the roster.

Hopkins left Wednesday's practice early with Titans director of sports medicine Todd Toriscelli, and the announcement of his injury and a corresponding 4-to-6-week recovery timeline came Thursday. While Davenport notes Treylon Burks will take Hopkins' first-team reps during the latter's absence, Ridley now moves into a clear-cut No. 1 receiver role for the remainder of training camp and preseason, at minimum.

The veteran wideout is being counted on as an integral part of the Titans' air attack once again for this coming season after recording a resurgent 75-1,057-7 line across 17 regular-season games during his 2023 debut campaign with the team. Davenport notes Hopkins was already sporting a knee wrap in Wednesday's individual drills, and the confirmation of a multi-week absence now puts the 32-year-old firmly in danger of missing the start of the regular season.

Burks has been a disappointment since the Titans selected him in the first round in 2022, producing just 665 receiving yards and one touchdown in 22 appearances through two seasons. With offseason signings Calvin Ridley and Tyler Boyd expected to join incumbent DeAndre Hopkins as Tennessee's top three wide receivers, the Titans could opt to move on from Burks. The Steelers would be a logical fit for a fresh start, as Pittsburgh lacks a clear second wide receiver behind George Pickens after trading Diontae Johnson to Carolina.

Callahan didn't detail exactly how he plans to use either back, but this signals a potential increase in usage for Spears. He tallied 100 carries as a rookie, which should be the biggest area for his workload to increase. Spears has already proven to be a strong pass catcher, as he tallied 52 receptions for 385 yards last season.

Pollard joined the Titans on a three-year deal worth up to $21.8 million this offseason, though he's coming off the most inefficient campaign of his career in 2023. He was also tasked with his heaviest workload last year, tallying 307 total touches after never surpassing 232 in any season prior. Spears proved to be a viable change of pace back behind Derrick Henry as a rookie, so the Titans will seemingly split work evenly between the duo to maximize their health and efficiency.

Rudolph signed a modest $2.9 million contract with the Titans this offseason. There was some expectation that he could compete with Will Levis for the starting job after propelling the Steelers to an improbable run to the postseason to close 2023, but instead, he'll have to prove himself to his new team. Though there will be a competition, Rudolph should still be considered the favorite to enter the campaign second on the depth chart.

Weaver had 5.5 sacks in 2022 but failed to record a sack in 2023 as he was buried behind Autry, Harold Landry and Arden Key on the depth chart at edge. With Autry now in Houston, Weaver is likely to feature more prominently in a rotation with Landry and Key, putting Weaver in position to post a bounce-back season in a contract year.

Philips has been limited to 13 regular-season appearances and 23 catches in two seasons since being selected with a fifth-round pick in 2022, as he has been slowed by injuries. The Titans signed veteran slot receiver Tyler Boyd in free agency and drafted Jha'Quan Jackson in the fifth round in 2024, leaving Philips' skill set redundant. If Philips gets leapfrogged by Jackson on the depth chart, Philips would have a hard time making the 53-man roster.

Farley has been held back by injuries since being drafted in the first round by the Titans in 2021, appearing in only 12 regular-season games. Tennessee added L'Jarius Sneed, Chidobe Awuzie and rookie fifth-round pick Jarvis Brownlee at cornerback in the offseason, so Farley could find himself pushed out of a roster spot, though the Titans would have to eat a $4.3 million dead cap hit if they cut Farley.

Adams is a three-time All-Pro at strong safety, but injuries limited him to just 10 appearances over the last two regular seasons with Seattle, and he most recently was sidelined by a knee injury down the stretch in 2023. Molden is currently penciled in as the starting free safety, but if Adams is healthy heading into 2024, the Titans could opt to shift Amani Hooker from strong safety to free safety and open up a starting spot for Adams at Molden's expense.

Okonkwo was primed to take the sophomore leap after breaking out in his rookie campaign in 2022, registering 27 catches for 398 yards and two touchdowns over the last 10 games of the regular season. While his numbers improved in 2023, it wasn't the uptick in production fans were hoping for, as the team struggled to find consistency at quarterback. Will Levis is the unquestioned starter in 2024, and Ciely points out that the second-year quarterback's aggression downfield in a new system under head coach Brian Callahan should give Okonkwo - who averaged 14.1 yards per reception as a rookie -- the chance to be a legitimate deep threat in the passing game.

Hooker had the most productive season of his career in 2023, finishing with 85 tackles, seven pass deflections and one interception across 13 regular-season games. The Titans were middle of the pack across the main statistical categories on defense last season, but one of their weaknesses was a lack of playmaking in the secondary, especially after Kevin Byard was traded to the Eagles in October. Sneed and Awuzie bring a significant boost to the Titans' pass coverage, which will not only unlock Hooker to play more freely at safety, but also give pass rushers Jeffrey Simmons and Harold Landry more time to get to the opposing quarterback.

Levis spoke with new head coach Brian Callahan at OTAs in May about wanting to become more stationary when executing play-action passes, and that began a journey of adjustments for the second-year signal-caller that's expected to carry through into training camp. Levis, Callahan, offensive coordinator Nick Holz and quarterbacks coach Bo Hardegree subsequently studied the quarterback's game film from his rookie 2023 campaign and identified additional areas they will continue working on, including increasing footwork discipline when dropping back and taking a shorter first step before the ball comes out.

Spears spent his rookie season firmly as the backup to Derrick Henry, though the former did average 4.5 yards per carry, compared to 4.2 yards by the latter. Spears was also effective in the passing game, accumulating 52 catches on 70 targets for 385 yards and one touchdown, and he could see more targets on check downs from second-year quarterback Will Levis in 2024. Spears will begin the season in a timeshare with veteran Tony Pollard, but Ciely believes the second-year running back out of Tulane has more upside than the former Cowboys running back.

Orr's prediction has less to do with Levis taking the leap in his sophomore season, and more to do with the fact that Gardner Minshew made the Pro Bowl as an alternate in 2023 despite throwing just 15 touchdowns to nine interceptions over 13 starts with the Colts. Still, Levis enters 2024 as the clear starter for the Titans after battling with Malik Willis for the backup role last season behind Ryan Tannehill. With Tennessee hiring offensive-minded head coach Brian Callahan and adding running back Tony Pollard and wide receivers Calvin Ridley and Tyler Boyd in free agency, Levis should be able to improve on his rookie season, when he completed 58.4 percent of his passes for 1,808 yards, eight touchdowns and four interceptions over nine games.

Even with the addition of DeAndre Hopkins last offseason, Burks finished his sophomore campaign with just 16 catches on 30 targets for 221 yards and zero touchdowns over 11 games. With the Titans adding Calvin Ridley and Tyler Boyd in free agency, Burks has been relegated to the fourth wideout on the roster. Head coach Brian Callahan noted earlier in June that Burks will need to contribute on special teams in order to make the roster. Given that projection, it may be best for Burks and the Titans to part ways before the start of training camp.

Latham took all first-team reps during OTAs and minicamp, impressing offensive coordinator Nick Holz with his energy, footwork and strength. Additionally, Davenport notes Latham has been supportive of teammates and given advice to fellow rookies while also spending extra time after practice refining his technique.

Willis struggled during seven-on-seven drills Thursday, going 1-for-5 on his passes with his lone completion coming on a short pass to running back Jabari Small, per Wyatt. Mason Rudolph has looked like the clear-cut favorite for the backup quarterback role behind Will Levis during OTAs, which could push Willis out the door if the Titans elect to carry just two quarterbacks heading into the regular season. Willis was taken by Tennessee in the third round of the 2021 NFL Draft, and the Liberty product has struggled in his two seasons with the Titans.

Rudolph looked the part of a competent backup in practice Thursday, completing four of five passes during seven-on-seven drills while Willis completed just one pass on five attempts, per Wyatt. Head coach Brian Callahan said after Thursday's practice that Rudolph and Willis will split reps evenly and "play quite a bit" in the preseason. Rudolph signed a one-year, $3.6 million contract with the Titans in March after spending the last four years in Pittsburgh, and he figures to be the backup behind Will Levis heading into Week 1.

Burks was expected to replace A.J. Brown as the Titans' top pass catcher after being selected in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft. However, he's struggled to stay on the field through two seasons and his role is now in question after Tennessee added Calvin Ridley and Tyler Boyd this offseason. Coach Brian Callahan suggested that Burks would likely have to contribute on special teams to remain active on game day, an indictment of his current spot on the depth chart.

Wyatt noted that the 29-year-old wide receiver has looked smooth in his route running and explosive off the line of scrimmage. After recording 76 catches on 136 targets for 1,016 yards and eight touchdowns last season with the Jaguars, Ridley signed a four-year, $92 million contract with the Titans in March. He will lead a talented Titans wide receiver corps that includes DeAndre Hopkins, Tyler Boyd and 2022 first-round pick Treylon Burks.

Burks has been considered an underachiever after being selected with the 18th overall pick in 2022, posting a 49-665-1 line across 22 games over his first two seasons. He appears to be heading into training camp as the No. 4 wideout as well, but Ridley feels Burks only needs the mental part of his game to catch up with his elite physical profile. "What I see, he's like Julio Jones, A.J. Brown, he's like T.O.," Ridley said. "Dude that big that fast, man? He's a stud, man. You don't have to worry about him."

After playing at left tackle for three years at Northwestern, Skoronski moved to left guard in his rookie season with the Titans. Despite the position change, he was one of the best offensive lineman for Tennessee in 2023, allowing just one sack over the first nine weeks of the season. Under new offensive line coach Bill Callahan, Skoronski and 2024 first-round tackle JC Latham will form a dynamic duo on the left side of the trenches. They will be tasked with protecting the blind side of second-year quarterback Will Levis.

Hopkins balanced those comments by saying "I think this is one of the best wide receiver groups I've had the chance to play with on paper." After failing to reach 1,000 receiving yards in his last two seasons with the Cardinals, Hopkins reached that milestone in 2023 in his first year with the Titans with 1,057 yards, more than double the amount of the next wide receiver, Chris Moore. The additions of Ridley and Boyd should make life in the passing game easier for both Hopkins and second-year quarterback Will Levis.

Tennessee made several offseason moves to improve an offense that struggled in 2023, with Ridley being one of the primary additions. He looked good in his first public appearance as a Titan, as he was reportedly sharp out of his breaks and showed sure hands. The Titans' pass-catching corps has the potential to be strong with the trio of DeAndre Hopkins, Ridley and Tyler Boyd at the top of the depth chart.

Jordan believes the 6-foot-2, 228-pound Haskins has the skill set to thrive on special teams, which should allow the 24-year-old to hang around in the NFL even if he fails to develop into a starting running back. Jordan's praise of Haskins suggests the Titans plan to welcome him back into the fold after the running back missed all of the 2023 season due to spending time on the commissioner exempt list following aggravated assault allegations, as well as a stint on injured reserve stemming from an undisclosed injury. Haskins' special-teams ability gives him the inside track on securing a roster spot as Tennessee's third running back behind Tony Pollard and Tyjae Spears.

The Titans have aggressively added to their wide receiver corps across the last two offseasons, bringing in DeAndre Hopkins, Calvin Ridley and most recently Tyler Boyd. That has left Burks, a first-round pick in 2022, without a clear role. The Steelers have been seeking to add to their wide receiver room to complement George Pickens, and Burks could fit as a reclamation project after two underwhelming NFL seasons.

Boyd naturally has an extensive and successful body of work as a third receiver from his days with the Bengals, compiling 513 receptions for 6,000 yards and 31 touchdowns over his first eight seasons while frequently filling that role. Additionally, he now counts his offensive coordinator in Cincinnati for the last five seasons, Brian Callahan, as his new head coach in Tennessee. Callahan and new wide receivers coach Tyke Tolbert have both had complimentary words for Burks this offseason, but given the latter's spotty injury and performance history, Boyd likely is at least a slight favorite to remain ahead of him on the depth chart.

The third-year pro has played in just 22 of 34 regular-season games over his first two seasons due to injuries, but he's healthy this offseason and has already caught the eye of new head coach Brian Callahan. The first-year head man cited information from the GPS tracker Burks has been wearing during recent OTAs that showed he'd run at a team-best top speed of 22.6 miles per hour and covered 3,591 yards of ground during Tuesday's practice. Burks figures to have to keep up the impressive work straight through the summer to lock in a meaningful role, considering Calvin Ridley and Tyler Boyd have been added to the roster this offseason behind DeAndre Hopkins.

Holz's feeling stems from the fact he sees Pollard's and Spears' skill sets as very similar, which he plans to use to his advantage next season by keeping defenses guessing with respect to what plays might be run when each is in the game. Spears shared the Titans backfield with a much different type of back in Derrick Henry during the former's 2023 rookie campaign, and he did so very effectively while averaging 4.5 yards per carry on 100 rush attempts and adding a 52-385-1 line through the air.

While that might not exactly be welcome news on the surface from a fantasy perspective, Holz explains he's referencing the fact both players are very well-rounded backs with similar skill sets that will help prevent defenses from guessing what plays will be run when either is in the game. A shared backfield could well be the best fit for Pollard anyhow, considering he was less effective and explosive in a lead-back role with the Cowboys in 2023 than he had been while previously sharing that backfield with Ezekiel Elliott.

Spears amassed 838 yards from scrimmage during a promising rookie season, despite ceding the majority of touches to Derrick Henry. With Henry becoming a free agent his offseason, there had been some thought that the 2023 fifth-round draft pick could ascend to a starting role. However, the Titans are bringing in another experienced backfield option in Pollard, who exceeded 1,000 rushing yards in both of the past two seasons and boasts a three-down skill set that could relegate Spears to the bench in passing situations as well.