NASHVILLE – Titans Coach Mike Vrabel held a press conference on Monday, one day after the team's 24-16 loss to the Baltimore Ravens.
The Titans have a bye this weekend before returning to action against the Falcons on October 29.
Here's a look at the biggest topics from the presser:
-Vrabel discussed Ryan Tannehill's health, and the team's options at quarterback – Malik Willis and Will Levis – following Tannehill's ankle injury. I did a separate story on that: CLICK HERE.
-The Titans inserted Nicholas Petit-Frere at left tackle on Sunday, in place of Andre Dillard, who started the first six games. Vrabel said he liked the way Petit-Frere played, although he didn't reveal the team's plans are moving forward. "We'll still evaluate that," Vrabel said. "But what I did appreciate is that Nick was into it, he acted like he wanted to be out there. He acted like he loved it, and was pushing piles, jumping over the pile. Squeezing the last couple of yards out of every run, he was down there. (He was) doing things we feel like are critical."
-Receiver Treylon Burks, who has missed the last three games with his knee injury, could return to practice this week. "I hope that we can see him," Vrabel said, "maybe being able to throw with Will and Malik. … Hopefully we can get him out in some capacity. He looks good, and we'll keep progressing."
-The Titans played Tre Avery at cornerback, in place of Kristian Fulton, at least for a few series on Sunday. Vrabel said the decision wasn't based on injury, but "we wanted to try and give Tre a little bit if work and see how that went." Vrabel said Fulton played better, although he wasn't challenged as much as he was vs the Colts. Vrabel didn't reveal the plan at cornerback moving forward, and he said a lot will be based on health.
-Vrabel didn't excuse returner Kyle Philips for his muffed punt at the end of the first half, but he also took ownership himself, indicating he needs to be better at transitioning to different facets of the game. "We have to catch our punts," Vrabel said. "And I have to help him."
-Receiver Chris Moore and tight end Josh Whyle are presumably in the concussion protocol, per Vrabel. Both players traveled with the team back to Nashville after the game. "I know that they've both been evaluated," Vrabel said. "For sake of clarity, I would imagine they are both in the protocol. … They are doing as well as they could possibly be doing."
-Vrabel was asked about the upcoming trade deadline, and whether the team would consider trading assets. "I think we would always consider trying to strengthen the team, whether that's right now, this week, or in the future, absolutely."
-Vrabel said the Titans will use the bye week to focus on themselves. "My message (will be) showing them the things we've done well enough," Vrabel said, "and showing the things we can't do and think that we will win."
