NASHVILLE – Titans Coach Brian Callahan held a press conference on Sunday at Ascension Saint Thomas Sports Park, one day after his team's 16-15 preseason win over the Seahawks.
Next up: The preseason finale against the Saints, next Sunday in New Orleans.
Here's a look at the hot topics from today's presser:
-Callahan gave a pretty thorough update on the status of several injured players, including some who were hurt in Saturday night's game. First, the new injuries: Receiver Kearis Jackson (knee bruise) is questionable to play in the next preseason game, and is week-to-week. Running back Jabari Small is in the concussion protocol, and likely won't play vs the Saints. Defensive lineman TK McLendon is expected to miss "a couple of weeks" with a turf toe. Linebacker Otis Reese Jr. is in the concussion protocol as well.
-Tight end Josh Whyle remains in the concussion protocol, but it's possible he could return this week. Receiver Kyle Philips is still dealing with a hamstring injury, and he's probably out this week, "but we'll see," Callahan said.
-Callahan said he's hopeful to get punter Ryan Stonehouse a punt or two in the game vs the Saints. "That's always been our target," Callahan said, "to get him back on the field in that last step of the rehab process, feeling some live action. That's the hope – I can't guarantee that."
-Callahan said his intention as of today is for the team's starters to play in the preseason finale. "A significant amount of snaps for a preseason game," Callahan said. "I'd like to see our starting offense play somewhere in the 3-ish series." Callahan said Jeffery Simmons, Harold Landry, LJarius Sneed and Chidobe Awuzie are among the defensive starters who will not play
-Callahan said he's hopeful Awuzie, out since early in camp with a calf injury, might be able to return to practice the week after the final preseason game.
-Callahan said the timeline the Titans are targeting with receiver DeAndre Hopkins is to have him ready for the opener at Chicago on September 8, "but we'll see."
-Callahan said Dillon Radunz and Nicholas Petit-Frere are trending toward being the team's starters at right guard and right tackle, respectively, for the start of the regular season. "It's not over yet for sure," Callahan said. "I reserve all right to pull the plug on that one if I so choose to, but as of right now, those are the guys who have played the best."
-With a smile, Callahan described rookie receiver Jha'Quan Jackson "an old man in a young person's body, because he has a real maturity to him." A sixth-round draft pick in the 2024 NFL Draft out of Tulane, Jackson had a team-high four catches for 57 yards against the Seahawks. "I think he had a pro's mentality when he came in," Callahan said of Jackson. "He's very professional in his approach, he takes it very seriously, and he has a maturity level to him that is allowing him to make gains on a consistent basis."
-Callhan noted Mason Kinsey has the ability to play a number of spots at receiver while acknowledging the team has a lot of depth at slot receiver.
-Callahan said the Titans are currently not ready to make a decision on the team's quarterbacks behind Will Levis. Malik Willis and Mason Rudolph both played extensively against the Seahawks, and Callahan said they both did good things that were encouraging. "We'll let this thing play out another week," Callahan said. "This time next week we'll be able to make a decision and determination on who the 2 will be, and what happens with the third spot, if we keep three or practice squad three, or we just go with two."
-Callahan discussed two of the team's rookie linebackers – Cedric Gray and James Williams. Callahan said it's been unfortunate Gray has now missed two preseason games with an injury, acknowledging it's set him back. Callahan has been complimentary of Williams, but said he needs to play as fast in games as he does in practices. "He's come a long way in a short amount of time," Callahan said of Williams. "A long way to go for him, but a lot of potential to be a really good inside linebacker."
-Callahan was asked about the potential of moving Elijah Molden to corner after the team's recent additions at the safety position. Callahan said, "I don't see Elijah as a corner; I know he's played some nickel in the past." Callahan said Molden has been a pro throughout the process, and he has handled everything well. "He's really stepped up his play," Callahan said of Molden. "I thought he's actually improved and played better the last two weeks, which has been good to see."
-Callahan said edge rusher Jaylen Harrell, who had two sacks on Saturday, "has risen from a seventh-round pick that probably nobody thought much of to probably being a pretty strong rotational player for us. It's been good to see."
-Callahan raved about veteran offensive lineman Daniel Brunskill, who started at center on Saturday night. "He's been fantastic," Callahan said of his play, and communication skills. "He can play guard, he can play center. Versatility is always the name of the game if you want to play for a while in this league. His ability to play center has really helped him. He's a very reliable and consistent back-up, and those are guys that you need. He's obviously started multiple years in this league, and certainly would feel good about him starting for us if that were the case. He's been great."
-Callahan said the team still awaits clarity on edge Arden Key's situation with the league. Titans defensive lineman Jeffery Simmons posted on social media on Saturday that Key had won his appeal, and won't be suspended for a reported violation of the league's performance-enhancing drugs policy. "With cuts coming in a week," Callahan said, "you'd like to get some clarity as soon as possible."
-Callahan said he's dreading the Tuesday, August 27 cut down date, when NFL teams must trim their rosters from 90 to 53 players. "It's a challenging part of the year," Callahan said, "my least favorite part of it."
