Quick Hits

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Wednesday's Quick Hits: RB Rod Smith's Role, a 1st Game Review From Taylor Lewan and the Titans Injury Report

Oct 09, 2019 at 02:47 PM

Jim Wyatt

Senior Writer/Editor

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

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

Welcome Rod Smith

Head coach Mike Vrabel still isn't sure what Rod Smith's role will be with the football team.

The Titans signed the veteran running back to the team's 53-man roster on Tuesday.

"That's the thing, when you sign guys, the role is really yet to be determined," Vrabel said. "They define their role by what they can do on the practice field, what they can handle … and then we'll decide as they go further. But he's a versatile piece who has carried the football, he's played fullback, he's played on special teams."

Smith, who has spent most of his NFL career with the Cowboys, practiced with his new teammates for the first time on Wednesday.

Smith joined running backs Derrick Henry and Dion Lewis on the roster, along with Dalyn Dawkins, who was promoted from the team's practice squad on Tuesday.

Smith said he's looking forward to his "fresh start."

"It's exciting," Smith said. "I just want to go out there and compete and help my team win. Whatever they want me to do, I'll do. This team has some beasts at the position, so I am going to come in and learn what I can from the guys who have been here."

Smith, who has also spent time with the Seahawks and Giants, spent four seasons with the Cowboys, playing in 48 games from 2015-18 after being awarded to Dallas on waivers from Seattle. He scored two touchdowns, including an 81-yarder, against New York in a game in 2017. In his career, the Ohio State product has rushed for 364 yards and five touchdowns and caught 30 passes for 272 yards.

Smith said he'd been training in Dallas and Indiana in recent weeks before heading to Nashville.

"I have been waiting for the call," Smith said. "I just had to be patient, and I got the call. I knew God was going to take care of me. I got healthy, and now I'm ready to go."

New @Titans RB Rod Smith in today’s practice pic.twitter.com/CCLVJw5F1s
— Jim Wyatt (@jwyattsports) October 9, 2019

Taylor Lewan Review

Titans left tackle Taylor Lewan made his 2019 debut on Sunday.

He was flagged for a holding penalty on the first play of the game, and acknowledged he had to work some rust off along the way on a day when the Titans offensive line allowed five sacks.

Lewan has watched film of Sunday's game, and knows he can improve.

"In pass protection I thought I did well as far as hands, technique," Lewan said. "Where I think there was some rust was in my run blocking. … It is just getting in there and doing a full game. I think toward the end of the game I felt better, and that rust started to come off. I wish I was out here for the first four games – I wish I didn't have to adjust to those things in the middle of the season, but I am in this situation.

"My goal is just to be a pro and go out and fix it today and tomorrow."

.@Titans LT @TaylorLewan77: I took things too personal during social media squabble with @BuffaloBills players @Shaq_Lawson90 and @bigj9797. Owned up to it and is moving on to @Broncos. pic.twitter.com/3au7PfWihN
— Jim Wyatt (@jwyattsports) October 9, 2019

Injury Report

Outside linebacker Cameron Wake (hamstring), tight end Delanie Walker (knee), linebacker Sharif Finch (shoulder) and defensive back Chris Milton (calf) did not practice on Wednesday.

Offensive lineman Kevin Pamphile (knee) was limited.

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NASHVILLE, TN - OCTOBER 09, 2019 - Cornerback Tye Smith #23 of the Tennessee Titans during practice at Saint Thomas Sports Park in Nashville, TN. Photo By Donald Page/Tennessee Titans