JC Latham hits PUP list
The Tennessee Titans have placed JC Latham on the physically unable to perform list as they begin training camp, a move that could impact their offensive line depth. Latham, a rookie tackle, was expected to compete for a starting spot. The Titans also placed safety Amani Hooker on the PUP list, citing an undisclosed injury. This news comes as the team prepares for a crucial season with high expectations.
Training Camp Implications
The Titans’ decision to place Latham on the PUP list may indicate that his injury is more severe than initially thought. With 64 starts in 64 games, left tackle Taylor Lewan is the anchor of the Titans’ line, but the right side remains a question mark. The team allowed 41 sacks last season, ranking 15th in the league, and will need to improve their pass protection to support quarterback Ryan Tannehill. Tannehill has a 47-49 win-loss record as a starter.
The Titans’ running game, which averaged 4.8 yards per carry last season, will also be affected by Latham’s absence. Derrick Henry, the team’s star running back, has rushed for 4,620 yards and 45 touchdowns in his career, including a 2,000-yard season in 2020. Henry’s production will be crucial to the Titans’ success, especially if the passing game struggles. The team has invested heavily in their running back corps, with Henry’s contract averaging $12.5 million per year.
As the Titans begin training camp, they will need to adjust their lineup to account for Latham’s absence. With 13 wins in their last 20 games, the team has shown promise, but injuries have been a major concern. The Titans have used 14 different starting lineups in the past two seasons, and this latest move may force them to get creative again. The team’s pass rush, which recorded 43 sacks last season, will also be a key factor in their success.
Roster Depth Concerns
The Titans’ decision to place Hooker on the PUP list adds to their safety concerns, as the team is already thin at the position. Hooker has started 28 games in his career, recording 2 interceptions and 156 tackles. The Titans will need to rely on their depth players to fill the void, including rookie safety Trevon Flowers, who had 3 interceptions in college. Flowers will compete with veteran safety Kevin Byard, who has 23 interceptions in his career.
Byard has been a stalwart in the Titans’ secondary, with 82 starts in 82 games, and will be counted on to lead the team’s defensive backfield. The Titans have allowed 244 passing yards per game over the past two seasons, ranking 12th in the league, and will need to maintain that level of performance to compete in the AFC South. Byard has a contract averaging $14.1 million per year, making him one of the highest-paid safeties in the league.
The Titans’ roster moves may also impact their special teams unit, which ranked 10th in the league last season. The team will need to find a replacement for Hooker, who has been a key contributor on special teams, with 22 tackles in his career. The Titans have invested heavily in their special teams unit, with kicker Randy Bullock signing a contract averaging $1.5 million per year.
Offseason Moves
The Titans’ offseason has been marked by significant changes, including the signing of wide receiver Robert Woods, who has 7,577 receiving yards in his career. Woods will be counted on to replace the production of former Titan Corey Davis, who signed with the New York Jets in the offseason. The Titans have also added tight end Austin Hooper, who has 247 receptions in his career, to their roster.
Woods has a contract averaging $10 million per year, making him one of the highest-paid wide receivers in the league. He will be paired with quarterback Ryan Tannehill, who has a 62.6% completion percentage in his career, and will be expected to produce immediately. The Titans have also invested in their defensive line, signing defensive tackle Denico Autry, who has 30.5 sacks in his career.
The Titans’ defense, which ranked 12th in the league last season, will be led by defensive coordinator Shane Bowen, who is in his second season with the team. Bowen’s unit allowed 24.6 points per game last season, and will need to improve that number to compete in the AFC. The Titans have used 12 different defensive lineups in the past two seasons, and will need to find consistency to succeed.
Big loss for the Titans, Latham was a key player
Season Outlook
The Titans’ season outlook remains uncertain, as the team faces a tough schedule and significant injuries. With 9 wins in their last 12 games, the team has shown promise, but will need to overcome their roster concerns to compete in the AFC South. The Titans have a tough schedule ahead, with games against the Kansas City Chiefs, Buffalo Bills, and Los Angeles Rams.
The Titans’ passing game, which ranked 23rd in the league last season, will need to improve to support quarterback Ryan Tannehill, who has a 94.9 passer rating in his career. Tannehill has been sacked 134 times in his career, and will need better protection to succeed. The Titans have invested in their offensive line, signing guard Rodger Saffold, who has 131 starts in his career.
The Titans’ running game, which ranked 7th in the league last season, will be a key factor in their success. Derrick Henry has rushed for 1,000 yards in three consecutive seasons, and will be counted on to produce again. The Titans have also added running back Brian Hill, who has 982 rushing yards in his career, to their roster.
The Titans’ special teams unit, which ranked 10th in the league last season, will be led by kicker Randy Bullock, who has made 83.2% of his field goals in his career. The Titans have invested in their special teams unit, signing punter Brett Kern, who has a 46.8-yard average in his career. The team will need to maintain their level of performance to compete in the AFC.