NASHVILLE, Tenn.— Some fans think the Titans are teasing them with receiver Dorial Green-Beckham, offering him up for only a few glimpses per game.
The Titans say they're easing in the rookie, careful not to overload him too early.
This much is for sure: Green-Beckham is pleasing the team from the get-go. He has touchdown catches in back-to-back games, and is making the most of his opportunities.
"He's been productive,'' Whisenhunt said of Green-Beckham. "He made some plays (Sunday), and did a nice job on special teams again as the gunner. We'll continue to integrate DGB into the offense. I think the one thing you have to be careful about is overloading him, because right now he is on a good track. He is making progress and we are excited about seeing him make these plays.
"But if you think you can just put him in for 82 snaps, it is going to be a problem, so you just don't want to see him take a step back."
Green-Beckham, the team's second-round draft pick, has three catches for 35 yards in the first three games. He played in just 14 of the team's 82 offensive snaps against the Colts after playing sparingly against the Browns (13) and Buccaneers (9) as well. Green-Beckham is also getting work on special teams.
The rookie isn't complaining about his playing time. His main focus is being ready when called upon.
"I know I can make more plays,'' he said. "I know that each and every week, I have to prepare myself to keep making plays. I'm pleased with how things are going so far. But I just have to try to get better and figuring out ways to make the team better.'
Green-Beckham scored on a three-yard touchdown pass against the Colts on Sunday. He also caught a 19-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter to set up a late touchdown in the team's eventual 35-33 loss.
Against the Browns, he was on the receiving end of a 13-yard touchdown reception thrown by quarterback Marcus Mariota in the fourth quarter.
"I think he's a great player. He's someone that's going to continue to make plays for us,'' Mariota said of Green-Beckham. "If we have an opportunity and it's matchup we like, obviously we'll to take it. He made a great play on the ball (vs. the Colts) and we'll look forward to him doing that some more."
