Observations From Titans Minicamp On Wednesday

Jun 12, 2019 at 03:29 PM

Jim Wyatt

Senior Writer/Editor

NASHVILLE – The Titans hit the field for another minicamp practice on Wednesday at Saint Thomas Sports Park.

Some observations …

- Tight end Jonnu Smith, tackle Jack Conklin, guard Rodger Saffold, tight end Delanie Walker, defensive lineman Jeffery Simmons, running back Dalyn Dawkins and kicker Ryan Succop did not practice on Wednesday.

-Conklin has not practiced this offseason, but he was seen doing some running on a side field while the team practiced.

-Titans legend Eddie George attended practice, and then headed inside for the press conference announcing his number No.27 will be retired, along with quarterback Steve McNair's No. 9.

-The Titans worked on catching punts early, and Adam Humphries, Cameron Batson, Kalif Rayond and Joseph Parker were the four involved. Adoree' Jackson was in uniform, but after some early work he also worked on a side field.

.@Titans special teams coach Craig Aukerman on the team’s options at returner, including @AdoreeKnows and his potential role. pic.twitter.com/QtoSDfH5IF
— Jim Wyatt (@jwyattsports) June 12, 2019

-The offense was shaky again early on Wednesday, as quarterback Marcus Mariota overthrew an open Humphries in a team drill before throwing high to receiver Corey Davis, who had the ball go off his fingertips, and into the hands of safety Kevin Byard. But Mariota and the offense settled down, and had a really nice period later in the red zone.

Sideline toe-tapping from the @Titans WRs.

Did everyone get two in? pic.twitter.com/bo1enlqpyB
— Jim Wyatt (@jwyattsports) June 12, 2019

-Mariota connected with receiver Tajae Sharpe later in the team period, and also hit tight end MyCole Pruitt in the middle of the field.

-Back-up Ryan Tannehill saw receiver Taywan Taylor make a nice diving catch on a ball in the middle of the field, but he overthrew Batson on a deep ball.

-Back to the red zone period. Mariota completed two touchdown passes to Davis, included one where Davis went up high to make the catch. Mariota made a really nice thrown to Batson, a lofted pass that Batson ran under with a defender trailing him.

-Tight end Anthony Firkser had a nice day in the red zone period, catching a pair of touchdown including a diving catch on the sideline when he was swarmed by teammates.

-Receiver Tajae Sharpe and Taylor both caught red zone touchdown passes thrown by Tannehill.

-The Titans once again worked a lot on screen passes, with running back Derrick Henry, Dion Lewis and Jeremy McNichols getting a lot of chances. Henry dropped one of his opportunities.

2 for 1: Footwork and ball security drill for @KingHenry_2 at @Titans practice. pic.twitter.com/WOoxFeB0Ug
— Jim Wyatt (@jwyattsports) June 12, 2019

-Things were entertaining late, as offensive coordinator Arthur Smith and defensive coordinator Dean Pees were each put in a position to catch a punt from the JUGS machine. Smith was up first, and he couldn't get under the ball, so it drifted away and fell to the ground. Then came Pees, who tracked the ball perfectly, caught it, and the spiked it before being swarmed by his players on defense.

Still got it! 69-year old defensive coordinator Dean Pees ends practice with a punt return. 😂 pic.twitter.com/HwfDo5YECL
— Tennessee Titans (@Titans) June 12, 2019

-Former Titans safety Blaine Bishop and former Titans linebacker Tim Shaw also attended practice.

.@JayonBrown12 with a 360 move, and a catch of the gold ball at @Titans camp. pic.twitter.com/ZPXFMwzlGz
— Jim Wyatt (@jwyattsports) June 12, 2019

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NASHVILLE, TN - JUNE 12, 2019 - head coach Mike Vrabel of Tennessee Titans warms up before OTA practice in Nashville, TN. Photo By Donald Page/Tennessee Titans