NASHVILLE – Welcome to August.
And to the start of Titans training camp.
Things are under way at Saint Thomas Sports Park, even if we haven't seen players on the field yet.
After testing, there will be other procedural work and conditioning work before players begin working in on-field drills in mid-August. And that's when you'll start getting live reports from camp.
But there's still plenty to talk about, and we're going to continue that here in this weekend's mailbag…
Here's the link to ask questions: CLICK HERE.
Jackson Steed from Birmingham, Alabama
Question: Hey Jim. How are you? I was hoping you would have some insight into how the Titans plan to use Darrynton Evans this year. I think it's great we invested in the RB2 position in the draft but was just hoping to learn how he would be utilized. Thanks.
Jim: Hey Jackson. Darrynton is one of the guys I'm most looking forward to seeing at camp. I think he has a chance to make some explosive plays in the passing game, and out of the backfield as a runner. It was interesting to hear QB Ryan Tannehill rave about Evans this week, and how he's a natural catching the football. The team wants to take some of the load off of Derrick Henry, and in my opinion, Evans is a better option to do that than Dion Lewis was a year ago. But so much depends on how much Evans can handle early -- OC Arthur Smith said this himself on Friday. The more Evans shows he can do, the more opportunities he'll get from the get-go.
Aaron Jennings from Lebanon, Tennessee
Question: Hi Jim. Are they letting fans in for training camp this year when it starts? Let me know.
Jim: Hi Aaron. No fans will be allowed for training camp practices at Saint Thomas Sports Park – it's an NFL rule.
Keith Dierks from Chattanooga, Tennessee
Question: Hey Jim! Long time reader and certainly appreciate all you do to keep us informed. Can't be easy wading through all the Clowney, anthem and will there be a season questions. Those things will all work themselves out in time. My question is on the Titans unsigned first round pick Isaiah Wilson. I follow quite a bit of Titans players on social media and try to stay pretty informed in these crazy times. Mostly a lot of workout snippets of players finding a way to hit the ground running come training camp. Have you heard any updates on how or what he's been doing to get ready for camp? I know the Kelly contract helps ease Wilson in, but God forbid one of our tackles has any sort of setback. I just hadn't heard much on him. Long live the Freak!
Jim: Hi Keith. Not sure if you've heard by now, but Wilson was placed on the Reserve/COVID-19 list at the start of camp. It's a category that was created for a player who either tests positive for COVID-19 or who has been quarantined after having been in close contact with an infected person or persons. If a player falls into either of these categories, his club is required to immediately place the player on the reserve/COVID-19 list. Because of NFL rules, as a team employee I cannot comment on whether he's in quarantine because he's been exposed to someone with COVID-19 or if he tested positive for COVID-19 himself -- I can only refer to this roster status. Obviously, Isaiah's health is priority No.1. When he does return, though, he's going to have some catching up to do. I heard good things about Isaiah this offseason regarding his workouts and offseason approach. I know he took the initiative to work with a lot of his new teammates. But the lack of an offseason program, OTAs and minicamp just makes things more difficult for Isaiah and Darrynton and for all the rookies at the start of their careers. And the reason he hasn't signed yet is he has to pass a physical first, and his Reserve/COVID-19 designation is currently preventing that from happening.
Chad Rozak from Plover, Wisconsin
Question: Mr. Wyatt I just want to say that the team is looking great. My question is if Vic Beasley does not show up for training camp will he be cut from the team? Second and if that happens will that be a better chance to pick up Clowney? Titan up.
Jim: I knew there was a Clowney question in there … If Beasley doesn't show up … well, let's just say he'll remain on the "Reserve/Did Not Report" list until he does. If he doesn't, then we'll cross that bridge …
Tom Meyer from San Antonio, Texas
Question: Hi Jim. This isn't a question but a statement.... with the events happening around our country and the other sports organizations ie: NBA and MLB kneeling and placing Black lives matter on the courts. I as a fan and a citizen of the greatest country in the world will no longer watch or support these organizations. I hope the NFL will take a stand for what is right and not bow down to the few radicals. I believe there is only one race and that is the Human Race. We are created by the one and only God and these radicals pretending to be representing oppressed groups are a joke. The truth needs to be spoken. I will not watch any sports,buy any merchandise or follow any sports team that bows down to the Marxist. I love the Titans and I hope the owners, coaches and players will be strong and brave and support the country that gave the them the chance to reap the rewards they enjoy. This being said my prayers are with each and every member of the NFL and the Titans.
Jim: Thanks for your prayers, Tom.
James Marler from Cherryville, North Carolina
Question: Are the Titans going to cancel their season due to Covid-19?
Jim: No plans to do so, James.
James Rowland from Clarksville, Tennessee
Question: Hey Jim, hope you are doing well. I just read that the PFF ranked Tannehill as a tier 3 quarterback. I completely disagree with that. I read your columns religiously and have seen you time and time again shrug it off with class. I agree that our play on the field should do the talking. However, I also read the interview with Tannehill after he signed his contract extension. He commented that he had heard and read the Brady rumors and just tried to put it out of his mind. That being said, I'm not so sure he heard the multitude of fans who have been on his side from the moment he took over. Could you please let him know that he is way better than that and we are PROUD to have him as our QB?! Don't get me wrong, there were a lot of big names in tier 3. Prescott, Newton and Roethlisberger. Tannehill is just better than them. He was money on long passes. Not just once or twice last season. He deserves better and I just wanted my voice heard. Hopefully he hears it too. I could spout off stats from last season but following your lead. .. I'll let his play do the talking for him. Thanks for letting me vent.
Jim: Thanks, James.
Karen O'Keefe from Spring Hill, Tennessee
Question: Posting your newsletter just after midnight on Tuesday morning? Do you ever get any sleep or are you a midnight owl like me?
Jim: Hi Karen. So, you caught me with the late-night mailbag post. 😊 That's usually my routine with the mailbag, for those still online late. I usually post it on the site the night before (Monday, Friday), close to midnight just so it's there for the early risers on Tuesday and Saturday morning. And another part of my routine is not getting enough sleep! Usually a 1 a.m.-7 a.m guy.
David Jenkins from Ashland City, Tennessee
Question: What happens to players like Logan Ryan and Jadeveon Clowney if free agency comes and goes and no one signs them?
Jim: Hi David. Well, free agency never really ends. Players can be signed all the way through the season. If they don't sign, they don't play.
Jimmy Dee from Battle Ground, Washington
Question: Jim. Hello. My advice is to trade Dennis Kelly by the 2020 trading deadline and replace him with Isaiah Wilson. Yes, I mean trade Dennis Kelly this year just before the trading deadline. You would have to get Isaiah Wilson ready in a hurry but that's doable because you have the best coaches in the league when it comes to getting players acclimated to the NFL. You might be able to trade Kelly to an OT-hungry team for a 2nd or 3rd round pick just before the deadline.
Jim: My take: I'm keeping Kelly.
Have a great weekend everyone!
