Tennessee Titans training camp: 5 takeaways from Day 9

USA Today

a day ago

The Tennessee Titans were back on the practice field Sunday and went through an emotional and intense practice.
Like every practice in training camp, there were highs and lows, and the physicality got tempers flaring, setting off the first altercations of training camp. The defense bounced back and won the day, while the offense struggled after back-to-back solid outings.
Here are five takeaways from the Titans' ninth practice of training camp.
Tempers flare
With the intensity of practice ramping up over the past few days, it was only a matter of time before players started to lose their cool, and it happened twice on Sunday. First, Mason Kinsey and Jarvis Brownlee got into a shoving match that teammates quickly broke up. This comes as no surprise, as Brownlee has been feisty and physical during camp, and caught the ire of Calvin Ridley on Saturday.
The festivities didn't stop with Kinsey and Brownlee, as veterans Jeffery Simmons and JC Latham decided to take their physical battle up a notch before being separated by their teammates.
Offensive struggles
The offense started with a solid 7-on-7 period and went downhill from there. They weren't crisp; balls hit the ground, and the unit took a step in the wrong direction. Not only did the defense set the tone, but it also let the offense know about it, and eventually, head coach Brian Callahan joined in and made it clear that their performance on the field was lacking on Sunday.
Tight ends are making plays
The early 7-on-7 work in the red zone might have been the only real positive for the offense, and the tight end unit was the catalyst. Gunnar Helm, David Martin-Robinson, and Drake Dabney all pulled in touchdowns.
There is a good battle taking place within that unit, and it appears to be one of the deepest positions on the roster. Starter Chig Okonkwo has been solid and flashing even more big-play potential, and Helm, Martin-Robinson, and Josh Whyle have flashed in recent days.
Slye bounces back
Kicker Joey Slye bounced back after a rough day and showed the accuracy that the Titans are counting on in 2025. He was a perfect 6-of-6 on Sunday with a long of 54 yards. Sley is now 31-of-36 in camp. Of course, these kicks lack game pressure, so monitoring how he does against the air will be important as the Titans progress through training camp.
Injury front
The Titans saw a couple of players leave the field on Sunday, including rookie safety Kevin Byard and defensive tackle Carlos Watkins. While Winston was planned, as the team is monitoring his knee after missing the offseason recovering from ACL surgery, Winston was not.
The team once again held out T'Vondre Sweat, Blake Hance, and Chandler Brewer due to injury, but all three are considered day-to-day.
After practice, offensive line coach Bill Callahan spoke about center Lloyd Cushenberry and was excited about his potential return, stating he is optimistic he will be returning sooner rather than later.
Kevin Zeitler was given the day off.