Tennessee Titans Prepping for Preseason Debut Against San Francisco 49ers
The Tennessee Titans are gearing up for their first preseason match against the San Francisco 49ers this coming Saturday. It's a new era for the Titans, with Brian Callahan at the helm as the newly appointed head coach. Callahan has expressed his commitment to ensuring "no sloppiness" and maintaining proper alignment, key elements he believes are crucial for a "good operation."
A fresh face leading the team on the field is rookie quarterback Will Levis, who has been named the full-time starter for the Titans. Levis, viewed as the future of the franchise, is expected to bring a new dynamic to the offense, amplifying the excitement around the team's prospects this season.
The Titans, however, will be without key defensive players Jeffery Simmons and Harold Landry for the preseason opener. Both athletes will sit out, leaving the defense with some gaps to fill. Additionally, Caleb Farley, who was drafted 22nd overall in 2021, exited Wednesday's practice early due to a hamstring injury and is projected to be sidelined for a few weeks. Farley's journey has been marred by injuries, limiting him to just 12 games since joining the league.
On a different note, offensive lineman Saahdiq Charles has announced his retirement, a move that was somewhat unexpected and leaves the Titans to reconfigure their offensive line strategy without his veteran presence. In more positive news, Nicholas Petit-Frere has been removed from the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list, marking a significant step in his recovery process.
The Titans will also be dealing with the absence of Arden Key, who is set to serve a six-game suspension for violating the NFL's policy against performance-enhancing drugs. This suspension poses a challenge for the team as they navigate the early part of the season without one of their key defensive players.
On the personnel front, Brian Callahan spoke highly of Jaylen Harrell, Tennessee's final selection in the 2024 NFL Draft. "Everything about Jaylen has been really, really exciting," Callahan remarked. Describing Harrell's potential, Callahan praised his old-school linebacker style, noting his dual capability of sinking into coverage or attacking the tackle's outside shoulder. "And that's a big step for a young player. And then he's actually shown real ability to rush," added Callahan, indicating high hopes for Harrell's development.
Recent practices have showcased some promising moments for the Titans. Rookie running back Tyjae Spears shined by scoring two touchdowns out of the backfield during drills, demonstrating his agility and playmaking ability. In the passing game, Mason Kinsey caught a touchdown pass from Mason Rudolph, showing a glimpse of the connection that could develop between the two this season. On the defensive side, Luke Gifford made a notable impact by intercepting a pass during an 11-on-11 drill, while T'Vondre Sweat executed a powerful bull rush, further emphasizing the defense's potential despite the absence of Simmons and Landry.
As the Titans prepare for their first test of the preseason, the team is clearly focused on setting a solid foundation under Coach Callahan's leadership. The mix of emerging talent and experienced players returning from injury or suspension will be key to navigating the challenges ahead. The upcoming game against the 49ers will be a significant step in gauging the team's readiness and setting the tone for the season to come.