NASHVILLE – The Titans took the field on Friday for the third day of training camp.
Here's a look at what stood out:
-A number of Titans got the day off. The group included receiver Julio Jones, receiver A.J. Brown, tackle Taylor Lewan, tackle David Quessenberry, tight end Geoff Swaim and guard Rodger Saffold. Defensive linemen Jeffery Simmons and Denico Autry took part in individual drills, but they went inside early. Running back Derrick Henry worked in individual drills early, but the carries in team drills went to the back-up running backs.
-Also, receiver Josh Reynolds and offensive linemen Brandon Kemp, Paul Adams and Elijah Nkansah, who all left Thursday's session early, did not practice.
-Safety Amani Hooker continues to shine early in camp. Hooker, who is expected to start opposite safety Kevin Byard this fall, intercepted quarterback Ryan Tannehill during an early team period. It was Hooker's second interception of camp, and it was one of several play he made on Friday. Hooker was also in the hole on the first run play of practice to stop running back Darrynton Evans. Later, he was right there on throws to tight ends Tommy Hudson and Briley Moore.
-With the team's top three receivers not practicing, veteran Marcus Johnson made the most of his opportunities. Johnson made two grabs in the final team period of the day. Tannehill connected with Johnson across the middle before finding him again two plays later.
-Cornerback Breon Borders continues to get himself noticed in camp, for good reasons. Borders flexed after causing an incompletion on a Logan Woodside throw intended for receiver Racey McMath. At a position with a lot of competition, Borders has risen to the occasion early.
-McMath and tight end Miller Forristall both had catches from Woodside in an early team period.
-When the Titans moved to a 7-on-7 period, Tannehill connected with receiver Cody Hollister, fullback Khari Blasingame and Evans on his first three attempts. Later, he connected with Hudson and tight end Anthony Firkser, who made a catch in tight space.
-Back-up quarterback DeShone Kizer's best throw was a completion to receiver Dez Fitzpatrick. He also connected with receiver Mason Kinsey for a pass across the middle, but he was off-target on a throw that was behind McMath.
-The Titans had another bad center/QB exchange on Friday, a day after two footballs hit the ground. Back-up center Daniel Munyer and Tannehill were involved in this one, and after practice Titans coach Mike Vrabel sounded really irritated about it.
-Defensive lineman Larrell Murchison busted through the line to meet Evans in the hole in the second team period of the day.
-Running back Brian Hill had a nice run in the same period.
-Defensive lineman Kyle Peko showed up again in run defense, filling a hole in a hurry.
-Outside linebacker Derick Roberson also drew some praise for a play on run defense.
-Asked about the contenders at punt returner, Vrabel said Chester Rogers, Mason Kinsey and Cameron Batson are currently competing for the job.
-Vrabel revealed after practice former University of Tennessee kicker James Wilhoit has been hired to work with the team's kickers.
Next practice: Saturday, 9:30 a.m.
