NASHVILLE – The Titans returned to the practice field on Thursday at Ascension Saint Thomas Sports Park as they turned their sights to the season opener on September 8 vs the Chicago Bears.
Here's a look at today's developments:
-Cornerback Chidobe Awuzie was on the practice field, alongside fellow cornerback L'Jarius Sneed.
Awuzie missed most of training camp – and all three preseason games – because of a calf injury he suffered back in July.
But Awuzie said he's feeling good, and has no concerns about stepping back into action, and being up to speed.
"No concern from us," Awuzie said. "Any concern would only be from the outside. Worry, it doesn't add a day to your life. So, all you can do is take everything day by day, and that's what we've done throughout this process."
Awuzie said it's been tough missing work with his teammates on the field, but he said he's worked in the classroom so he could stay locked in.
-The Titans had all their new additions on the practice field on Thursday, and that included inside linebacker Ernest Jones, who was acquired via a trade with the Rams.
Jones is in uniform No.53, the same number he wore with the Rams.
Check him out below:
-Edge rusher Ali Gaye also practiced, in number 59.
Gaye was awarded to the Titans off waivers on Wednesday. He previously played with the Texans.
A few clips of Gaye below, during and after practice:
-And, here's a quick clip below of new Titans defensive back Julius Wood, in No.24.
Wood was claimed by the Titans after being waived by the Cowboys.
-Receiver DeAndre Hopkins, edge Arden Key, safety Jamal Adams and linebacker Otis Reese IV were not spotted at practice. Reese is still going through the concussion protocol, but is expected back next week.
Want more info on Hopkins? Keep reading...
-Tight end Nick Vannett, released on Wednesday, was back on the practice field on Thursday after being added back to the team.
-The Titans added former Vikings defensive lineman James Lynch to the practice squad, and he was on the field for the first time as well.
Lynch (6-4, 295) joins the Titans with 37 games (3 starts) of NFL experience in his four seasons (2020-23) with Minnesota. Over his career, he has totaled 53 tackles, two sacks, four tackles for loss and one fumble recovery. Last year he spent the entire season on injured reserve after a knee injury in training camp. Lynch played in 15 games for the Vikings in 2022 and tallied 20 tackles. He entered the NFL as a fourth-round selection by Minnesota in 2020.
As a college player at Baylor, Lynch tallied 22 career sacks, including 13.5 in his final season for the Bears.
Here's a look at Lynch in today's practice:
-Some Titans changed numbers recently.
DL Abdullah Anderson will now wear #94
S Quandre Diggs will now wear #28
OLB Khalid Duke will now wear #47
DL Isaiah Iton will now wear #95
-Titans Coach Brian Callahan held a media session with reporters before today's practice.
A lot of interesting nuggets that came out of that:
-Callahan said the team is still hoping to get DeAndre Hopkins back for the opener. "He's progressing, and he's in a good place," Callahan said. "It will just be a matter of how he feels during practice next week. … As long as he feels good and feels he can play at a high level, he'll be ready to roll."
-Callahan said he also feels good about where safety Jamal Adams is physically, and he's hoping he'll ready to go next week.
-Callahan told receiver Mason Kinsey he was the 7th receiver, and if the team would've kept 7, he would've made it. (Kinsey was signed to the practice squad after being waived). Callahan said he loves Kinsey's energy, toughness and versatility while calling him one of his favorite guys on the team.
-Receiver Tyler Boyd will be the team's emergency QB for now, Callahan said.
-The Titans created an office for the quarterbacks this offseason, a place where they can meet on their own in the building. In the past they met in the offices of coaches, or at other spots. Now they have their own space.
-Callahan raved about center Lloyd Cushenberry, who was elected one of the team's captains. Callahan said Cushenberry has taken on a leadership role in o-line room, said he doesn't tolerate anything less than expected, and he hold his line mates accountable, in his own way.
Here's a clip of Cushenberry talking after today's practice:
And below is a clip of running back Julius Chestnut, the team's No.3 RB.
