The Tennessee Titans began the preseason on a positive note by beating the San Francisco 49ers last weekend. The Titans will take on another NFC West foe in the Seattle Seahawks in preseason Week 2.
Of course, preseason games are all about player development and evaluation. It will be interesting to see which players can help their case to make the roster with a strong performance. Last weekend, linebacker Chase Campbell had a huge game.
Who will be the star this week? Well, several players could use a big game. Let’s identify the players who must step up against the Seahawks if they hope to make the initial 53-man roster.
Tennessee Titans who need to step up
Backup RBs
We know Tyjae Spears and Tony Pollard will be the one-two punch at running back for the Titans. What we don’t know is which other running backs will make the roster.
In preseason Week 1, Hassan Haskins was the best out of the depth backs, taking eight carries for 27 yards. Jabari Small received the most carries but struggled behind the backup offensive line. Julius Chestnut has been around for a while now, but he struggled as well.
Will either Small or Chestnut step up? Or will the team make an outside addition for the final RB spot?
Backup OL
The starting offensive line for the Titans performed admirably last week. However, the backups struggled mightily, and it’s hard to predict who will earn the final roster spots right now.
The backup units got abused in the run game, and Small and Chestnut were only able to average 1.8 yards per carry as a result. Every QB pressure and hit by the 49ers came against backup offensive linemen.
Who will step up and prove they deserve a spot? Andrew Rupcich, Lachavious Simmons, John Ojukwu, and Jaelyn Duncan are specific players who need to prove they belong on the roster.
Edge rushers
The Titans desperately need an edge rusher or two to step up this preseason. With Arden Key’s impending suspension, an already thin unit will need even more help.
Against the 49ers, the Titans only collected two sacks. One was by Campbell, and the other was split between Keondre Coburn and depth edge rusher Khalid Duke.
Jaylen Harrell, Rashad Weaver, or Shane Ray having a big game would help alleviate some of the worries with this position group. If none of these depth pieces can step up, the Titans may have to go outside of the organization to find reinforcements.
