Kyle Philips understands the significance of the 2024 NFL season.
The former fifth-round pick in 2022 has been pushed to the bottom of the Tennessee Titans depth chart after the team went out and signed wide receivers Calvin Ridley and Tyler Boyd in free agency.
Philips, similar to his previous two training camps, has consistently been a top performer in practice sessions. However, he knows that he must stay healthy this year.
"I feel like that's the biggest thing for me," Philips said via Jim Wyatt of Titans Online. My (first) two years, I'll get going, start making plays and get hurt. A big thing for me is staying healthy and continue to show (the coaching staff) that I can make plays and contribute to this football team."
When healthy, Philips has shown why he was so highly-coveted despite being a late-round pick. The former UCLA standout played in nine games during the 2023 season and logged career highs in receptions (15) and receiving yards (181).
Philips also saw a bit of time in the punt and kick return game before fumbling twice in the first two games of the season. The injury bug bit him again in late October, he was placed on the injured reserve (IR). Upon returning, Philips lost his job on special teams and was limited to the reps he could find as a depth receiver.
However, the 25-year-old has a fresh start with a new coaching staff in place.
With the Titans joining the modern game as a pass-first offense under head coach Brian Callahan, Philips has already been utilized in several ways throughout camp.
"They've been able to help me grow tremendously as a receiver in terms of route-running and passing schemes," Philips said. "I feel like it's helped me tremendously."
Philips is making the most of his opportunity, with star receiver DeAndre Hopkins (knee) sidelined for the next few weeks.
He will need to continue to make plays in the preseason schedule to carve out a role when Hopkins returns to the lineup.
Philips also knows that he is getting a second chance at earning time in the punt return game.
"I feel like I've done a pretty good job showing I can contribute in the run game, I can get open, catch the ball, and then in terms of return, just making sure I can hold on to that ball," he said.
