NASHVILLE – The Titans returned to the practice field on Monday at Saint Thomas Sports Park and began preparations for Sunday's season opener against the Cleveland Browns.
Here's a look at three quick hits from Monday:
Mack Attack
Titans defensive lineman Isaiah Mack was hanging out with his family over the weekend when he got a phone call from general manager Jon Robinson.
It set off a big Mack celebration.
"He was like: I hope you are not having too much fun this weekend, but I just wanted to call and tell you that you made the team," Mack said with a smile. "I was like, 'Oh, man.' It was a feeling of relief, and a feeling of being blessed. Then I just celebrated with my family."
Mack, signed by the Titans as an undrafted free agent in May after a productive career at Chattanooga, recalled his mother's words when he first showed up in Nashville.
"Like my mom always says: What God has planned for you, no man can take away," Mack said. "All I had to do is put my head down and work and let the rest figure itself out."
The 6-foot-1, 299-pound Mack made a name for himself the moment the pads came on in training camp.
He was disruptive in practices and preseason games as well, and it earned him a spot on the 53-man roster.
"Now it is just full steam ahead," Mack said. "Now it is time to have some real fun."
Gilbert's Role
The Titans acquired former Packers linebacker Reggie Gilbert in a trade last week, and he was in the locker room on Monday with his new teammates.
"It is a real quick change, but things are definitely starting to settle down for me right now," Gilbert said. "I like (the defense) a lot. We did a lot of similar things back when I was in Green Bay, so I feel like there is a lot of carry over. Obviously different terminology and things like that, but the coaches have been really helpful in bringing me along.
"I just want to come in and compete and show the guys that whatever they ask me to do, I can go out there and do it. I am excited about my new opportunity and excited to be here."
In 2018, Gilbert (6-3, 261) played in all 16 games for the first time in his career and recorded 44 tackles (36 solo), six tackles for a loss, 2½ sacks, a fumble recovery, four quarterback hits, 15 QB pressures (No. 2 on the team) and two passes defensed while adding two tackles on special teams.
In 2017, Gilbert played in two games and registered three tackles (two solo), a sack, five QB pressures and three QB hits. Gilbert was an undrafted free agent of the Packers in 2016.
Gilbert played in Green Bay's first two preseason games but was sidelined the last two with an injury.
"I am making strides each and every day," he said. "I am working with the trainers and they are doing a good job getting me right so I can get back out there."
Injuries
Tackle Dennis Kelly and Gilbert did not practice on Monday.
Vrabel said the absence of Kelly "should (not) cause any alarm."
Also, Vrabel said linebacker Harold Landry was a full participant in Monday's session. Guard Nate Davis also practiced on Monday.
Vrabel also gave a good report on running back Derrick Henry.
"I think he looks good," Vrabel said. "Continuing to work on his conditioning and running the ball the way we expected. We haven't been tackled, we're not tackling in practice, but I feel like he's on track to be where we need him to be."
