NASHVILLE – Titans head coach Mike Vrabel spoke to reporters on Tuesday as players reported to training camp.
The team's first practice is scheduled for Wednesday.
Here's a look at the highlights from Vrabel's presser:
-Cornerback Buster Skrine has informed the team he plans to retire. Skrine finished the 2021 season with the team, and he went through OTAs and the minicamp before making the decision before his 12th NFL season. "I really respect Buster as a person, as a player," Vrabel said. "But he made a decision which he felt like was best for him and his family and we'll respect that and support him however we can." Vrabel said "nothing is imminent right now" as far as replacing him.
-Vrabel said all of the team's players reported for training camp. Vrabel said the players looked "fantastic" during the conditioning test.
-Rookie receiver Treylon Burks was limited in offseason work because of issues related to asthma and conditioning, but Vrabel said he's "made good progress" since reporting with the rookies and injured guys. "He has put together two good days, but I am not going to predict who is going to be out there every day right now," Vrabel said. "We're focusing on daily improvement with each and every player."
-Vrabel said he doesn't anticipate running back Derrick Henry playing in the preseason.
-Asked about the workload for veterans, Vrabel said every player will have a different workload and plan. "I explain that to the team," Vrabel said. "Where a player like Dez Fitzpatrick is compared to Robert Woods, or Jeff Simmons, or Kevin Byard. There's a lot of guys who have played a lot of football for us. Now that doesn't mean they are not going to be working, but everybody's plan is going to be different each day and there is a balance to that to make sure guys are getting what they need but also being conscience about how much they are going to play for us."
-Vrabel he's been encouraged by rookie quarterback Malik Willis and his improvement. Among the things he'll work on in camp: His presence in the huddle, the operation of getting guys lined up. Vrabel said Willis made a lot of correct decisions in the spring but "timing wasn't where it needed to be" and as a result accuracy went down. When the timing improves, Vrabel believes his accuracy will improve as well.
-Vrabel said he expects defensive lineman Jeffery Simmons to practice. Neither Vrabel nor Titans General Manager Jon Robinson gave any details about his contract situation.
-Vrabel said receiver Robert Woods and cornerback Caleb Farley are participating in roughly "90 percent" of the work. Among the things they'll be held out of at the start: Open field tackling drills. Both Woods and Farley are coming off of torn ACLs.
-Vrabel mentioned Farley having two interceptions in an activity on Monday, before the entire team reported.
-The left guard spot and right tackle position are both up for grabs in camp, Vrabel said. Jamarco Jones and Aaron Brewer are the top contenders at left guard, while Dillon Radunz will compete with Nicholas Petit-Frere and others for the tackle spot. Vrabel said Radunz improved his technique this offseason, and he's more comfortable. "He excited to go earn the position," Vrabel said of Radunz.
-Vrabel said Passing Game Coordinator Tim Kelly has been a good fit so far in Tennessee. Vrabel mentioned previous relationships with Matt LaFleur and Arthur Smith and Smith with Todd Downing when referencing Kelly, who worked previously with the Texans. "Everything that I have witnessed, the conversations they are having," Vrabel said. "It's about support and it's always nice to have an extra set of eyes."
