NASHVILLE – Titans General Manager Ran Carthon and head coach Brian Callahan held a press conference on Wednesday after the team made a flurry of roster moves over the last 24-48 hours.
Here's a look at some of the Hot Topics:
-Carthon said the team began exploring trade possibilities with the Rams regarding linebacker Ernest Jones over the weekend. "Ernest is a good, young, talented linebacker in this league (and he) has been since he came in," Carthon said. "It started with the typical phone calls we get this time a year, 'Hey, you guys looking for anybody? You guys shopping anybody? We looked into it, did our research and watched the film … and thought he was a young player who could help us."
-Carthon said the team plans to put rookie inside linebacker Cedric Gray, who has been dealing with a shoulder injury, on Injured Reserve, Designated for Return. "I get to break news," Carthon said. "According to sources, we will be placing Cedric Gray on IR, designated for return, just to give him the opportunity to get healthy."
-Carthon said the team plans to re-sign veteran tight end Nick Vannett, who was waived on Wednesday. Carthon said it was a "procedural move." Carthon indicated the team would like to get edge rusher Rashad Weaver, also waived on Wednesday, back as well. "We'll be getting Nick back," Carthon said. "Nick Vannett will be back with us. It was more of a procedural move to be in compliance with the 53. We will be signing Nick Vannett back to the 53 without making any procedural moves."
-One way the Titans could get a roster spot: Defensive back Elijah Molden is reportedly being traded to the Chargers. Carthon neither confirmed nor denied that possibility when asked about it at the presser. "That's to be announced," Carthon said. "I know what the reports are out there, and we'll talk about that at another time."
-Carthon said veteran quarterback Mason Rudolph outperformed Malik Willis in the competition for the No.2 spot behind starter Will Levis. The Titans decided to trade Willis to the Packers, where he's currently the back-up behind starter Jordan Love. "Malik earned the opportunity to have a chance to be the back-up, whether it was here or someone else," Carthon said. "He fought his ass of while he was here, and he's done everything we've asked him to do. … When Green Bay called, and we knew that Malik had the opportunity to be the back-up, which we feel he deserved, it was about doing right by Malik and giving him that opportunity."
-Callahan said running back Julius Chestnut performed better than Hassan Haskins during the course of the preseason, and in practices. Haskins was waived, and he was claimed by the Chargers. "Hassan did a good job," Callahan said, "but Julius was just better at every opportunity that he had. Julius earned it. I feel really good about Julius as our third back."
-The Titans were awarded defensive end Ali Gaye, formerly of the Texans, and defensive back Julius Wood, formerly of the Cowboys, on the waiver wire. Carthon and Callahan said Gay will be an edge, but he's versatile and can be used in a number of ways. "The guys that we're adding, starting with Ali, he's a long, rangy guy," Carthon said. "And with Julius, he's a tough, hard-nosed kid. … He's a guy our scouts put a lot of work into, and identified him, and were excited to get."
-Callahan said cornerback L'Jarius Sneed is practicing and is "ready to roll." Expects him to be a full participant with no limitations in every practice from now until the opener. Callahan said the same for cornerback Chidobe Awuzie, who was not a full participant today, but should be by next week.
-Callahan said receiver DeAndre Hopkins and safety Jamal Adams were the only two players who did not practice on Wednesday. Everyone else was at practice, Callahan said.
-Callahan said the Titans are potentially looking for a younger player as the No.3 QB, a guy in his first or second year "that you can develop and pour into. … We'll be patient, and we'll find the right fit for us."
-Callahan said the Titans are potentially still looking for a fifth cornerback on the roster, while acknowledging the team has some options at the position on the practice squad.
-Carthon reminded "this is just the first iteration of the 53 (man roster)" that it's "not going to be concrete and set." He said the team will continue to watch the waiver wire, and make moves.
-Callahan said Tyler Boyd has caught punts before when asked about the team's back-up punt returner, while reminding Mason Kinsey could also be elevated from the practice squad if needed. Jha'Quan Jackson is expected to be the team's punt returner to start the season.
-Carthon said tight end Thomas Odukoya earned his roster spot, while raving about his work ethic and commitment. "For a guy to be an International practice squad guy, to now earn his chance on the 53," Carthon said. "It's what this league is about, and it's what that program is about."
-Carthon on the team still having a lot of cap room: If opportunity presents itself, we'll make this team better. But not going to spend just to spend.
-Callahan said eyes are now on the opener against the Bears in Chicago, on September 8. He said there's a different feel in the building now, but it will really feel it next Monday after the players get the upcoming weekend off. "It's Monday when you really feel it, and there's a whole new energy and intensity to the building and the players, because they know what's coming," he said. "It's time to go. There is no more training camp, no more OTAs. It's football time. You feel that from the team, but you don't feel it quite yet. They're measured in their approach."
