Quick Hits

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Thursday's Quick Hits: Kalif Raymond Steps Up, Status of Ben Jones, and the Titans Injury Report

Oct 31, 2019 at 02:49 PM

Jim Wyatt

Senior Writer/Editor

NASHVILLE -- The Titans returned to the practice field on Thursday at Saint Thomas Sports Park to continue preparations for Sunday's game against the Carolina Panthers.

Here's a look at three quick hits from Thursday:

Raymond's Chance

Titans receiver/return man Kalif Raymond spent the first seven weeks of the season on the team's practice squad, hoping to get a chance.

On Sunday, the time came.

Raymond was promoted to the 53-man roster prior to the team's game against the Buccaneers, and he handled kickoff return duties for the team while also playing four snaps in the offense. Raymond provided a spark with a 45-yard kickoff return.

It looks like more opportunities are on the horizon.

"Everybody always tells me: Put the work in and trust yourself," Raymond said. "I am glad I am getting opportunities and now it's time to make the most of it."

Raymond, one of the surprise standouts in training camp, is expected to get more chances moving forward after the Titans waived receiver/returner Darius Jennings on Thursday.

Prior to joining the Titans, Raymond spent time on rosters with the Broncos, Jets and Giants.

"They always told me to stay ready, and your time will come," Raymond said. "I am just going to go out there and use my best abilities to make some plays for the guys to show that I belong here. Every day you have to prove that you belong, whether you are on the 53 or the practice squad. I am always trying to go out there and prove myself."

Status of Ben Jones

Ben Jones has started 56 consecutive games at center since joining the Titans for the 2016 season.

But Jones missed practice for the second straight day on Thursday, and his status for Sunday's game is in question.

"He is in the concussion protocol, and whenever the doctors ask him to go on to the next step he goes on to the next step and I wait and hear," Titans coach Mike Vrabel said. "There is nothing more important than the health of our team … especially as it relates to the concussion protocol, having played this game, having kids that play it – I have a son that does play it. It is something that we take very seriously."

Jamil Douglas replaced Jones at center for one snap when he left Sunday's game. Vrabel said Jones came in on Monday and informed doctors and trainers he didn't feel well, and he was placed in concussion protocol, where he's being monitored during the week.

The Titans added more depth at the position on Thursday by signing Hroniss Grasu.

Injury Report

Along with Jones, defensive lineman Jurrell Casey (shoulder), tight end Delanie Walker (ankle) did not practice again on Thursday.

Linebacker Harold Landry (shoulder) and cornerback Chris Milton (ankle) were limited for the second day in a row, and linebacker Jayon Brown (groin) was also limited after being added to the Injury Report.

Cornerback Malcolm Butler (hamstring), cornerback Adoree' Jackson (foot), guard Rodger Saffold (concussion) and linebacker Cameron Wake (not injury related) were all full participants on Thursday after being limited in Wednesday's session. Linebacker Sharif Finch (shoulder), who has missed the past three games, was also a full participant for the second day in a row.

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NASHVILLE, TN - OCTOBER 31, 2019 - Wide receiver Corey Davis #84 of the Tennessee Titans during practice in the bubble at Saint Thomas Sports Park in Nashville, TN. Photo By Donald Page/Tennessee Titans