7 Tennessee Titans with most to gain in joint practices with Atlanta Falcons

USA Today

5 hours ago

Still feeling the after-effects of their 29-7 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the preseason opener, the Tennessee Titans will have to quickly turn the page. The Titans will be in Atlanta this week for two joint practice sessions with the Falcons.
Tennessee has a lot to work on, but it should have plenty of chances to correct some of the things that plagued it during the game. This will also be a chance for some players to build upon their performance against the Bucs as the roster battles heat up.
Here's a look at seven players with the most to gain from these joint practices.
DT Timmy Horne
Horne was solid in his Titans debut against the Bucs in relief of T'Vondre Sweat at nose tackle. The veteran flashed a non-stop motor and an ability to anchor in the middle. With Sweat still sidelined after a tonsillectomy, Horne should see increased reps and benefit from the return of Jeffery Simmons along the defensive front. He has a real chance to make an impact.
S Mike Brown
After entering camp on solid footing, Brown is now facing an uphill battle at safety and could get caught in a numbers game. After an uneven performance against the Bucs, he'll have to seize on any added reps from the Titans' decision to be cautious with Kevin Winston and his ACL recovery. With Quandre Diggs likely making his team debut this week in team drills, Brown must show something to keep his spot safe.
G Jackson Slater
Slater saw an increased rep-share in the preseason opener with the Titans resting veteran Kevin Zeitler and held his own playing with the starters. The rookie from Sacramento State looks the part, and with Blake Hance sidelined, has a path to becoming the primary interior backup heading into the season. Another good week of practice against the Falcons could help.
LB Otis Reese IV
Reese didn't play against the Buccaneers and is losing ground in the inside linebacker competition with James Williams and Cedric Gray. With both players having good outings against the Bucs, it's go time for Reese. If he doesn't step up soon, he could be losing more than just the starting role.
RB Kalel Mullings
Mullings led the Titans in rushing against the Bucs and should see increased usage against the Falcons this week with Tyjae Spears sidelined with a high ankle sprain. Tony Pollard is entrenched as the starter, but Mullings has a chance to work his way into an expanded role after some solid practices against the Falcons. He will be competing with Julius Chestnut for carries, but he brings a different skill set to the table.
TE David Martin-Robinson
Martin-Robinson has had an outstanding camp and built upon that with his performance in the preseason opener. If he can stack another good week of practice against the Falcons, he can tighten his grip behind Chig Okonkwo and Gunnar Helm on the depth chart.
CB Clarence Lewis
Lewis took a step forward against the Bucs and can build upon his performance if he can back it up with a good week of practice against the Falcons. With L'Jarius Sneed still sidelined on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list, cornerback depth remains thin, and Tennessee needs to find some players behind Jarvis Brownlee, Roger McCreary, and Darrell Baker. Lewis has flown under the radar, but he has the size and skill set to sneak into the cornerback conversation.