Injuries and the Tennessee Titans go together like peas and carrots after the team has been absolutely decimated by them the past two seasons. In fact, injuries in droves are practically expected for the franchise at this point.
With training camp rapidly approaching, it’s time to start taking a look around the trainer’s room to see who might start camp on the Active/Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list.
Players placed on the list before camp can be activated at any time during camp, so there’s no reason to panic at that point. But if a player remains on the list through camp, he’s transferred to the Reserve/PUP and must miss the first four games of the season.
As things stand now, it appears the Titans have five candidates for the list. It looked like they might have six after Kristian Fulton was absent for much of the offseason program, but his absence turned out to be the result of him taking a different approach to training this year.
For those wondering, #Titans CB Kristian Fulton has been training in Miami since season ended w/David Alexander @ DBC Fitness who worked w/LeBron James & Dwayne Wade. Fulton wanted to try something different to stay healthy. Workouts include yoga, pilates.https://t.co/1t5c3uYpJp
— TURRON DAVENPORT (@TDavenport_NFL) May 23, 2023
While Fulton looks to be in the clear ahead of training camp, these five players aren’t yet, although the outlooks for some are better than others.
OLB Harold Landry (knee)
While Vrabel didn’t say if Landry would be ready for camp, he did note that the edge rusher was getting closer, painting a more positive outlook than Radunz.
Mike Vrabel said Harold Landry is getting closer but wouldn't make any promises regarding him being fully ready for training camp.
— TURRON DAVENPORT (@TDavenport_NFL) June 8, 2023
With Landry having torn his ACL before the start of last season, he should either be ready or very close to ready by the time camp begins. Even if he does start on the PUP list, there won’t be reason to worry until his stay becomes lengthy.
OL Dillon Radunz (knee)
Vrabel has already confirmed that Radunz, who is coming off a torn ACL suffered in December, is unlikely to be ready for the start of training camp. It’s probably not a stretch to think he could start the season on the PUP list, also.
.@Titans HC Mike Vrabel: OL Dillon Radunz is recovering, don't anticipate him being ready for the start of training camp. He's sixth month post operation
— Jim Wyatt (@jwyattsports) June 8, 2023
While not much is expected of the 2021 second-round pick, the Titans can ill-afford to lose anymore depth with Nicholas Petit-Frere suspended for a third of the season.
If he is healthy enough to take part in training camp at some point, I don’t think Radunz is a lock to make the roster, but losing NPF for six games improved everyone’s chances of making the cut, his included.
CB Caleb Farley (back)
When we last heard of Farley, he did not take part in the offseason program but had progressed to lifting weights in his recovery from a back injury that ended his second season. Vrabel didn’t go into specifics as far as his status going into training camp.
.@Titans HC Mike Vrabel: DB Caleb Farley had a back procedure and is making progress, is lifting
— Jim Wyatt (@jwyattsports) June 8, 2023
Farley had durability concerns coming out of college and has now seen his first two seasons in the NFL cut short due to injury. Making matters worse, he hasn’t shown any progress even when he’s been on the field.
Not only should we expect nothing out of him in 2023, don’t be surprised if Farley doesn’t make the final cut.
DE Sam Okuayinonu (undisclosed)
Vrabel didn’t reveal the reason behind Okuayinonu’s offseason absence but said he might be ready by training camp.
Mike Vrabel said SamOkuayinonu could be ready by training camp. Did not disclose what he is dealing with.
— Terry McCormick (@terrymc13) June 8, 2023
If healthy, Okuayinonu has a good shot to make the roster given the current state of the Titans’ depth behind Teair Tart, Jeffery Simmons and Denico Autry.
TE Trevon Wesco (undisclosed)
Wesco didn’t do much during the offseason program, but given the fact we saw him at all is a good sign he’ll be fine and able to take part in training camp.
Plenty of absences at today’s voluntary OTA session for Titans.
Two players who did make brief on-field appearances: CB Kristian Fulton and TE Trevon Wesco, neither of whom have been seen much this offseason.— John Glennon (@glennonsports) June 14, 2023
One of the Titans’ free-agent signings this offseason, Wesco should make the cut and fill Tennessee’s need for a blocking specialist at tight end, and perhaps we’ll see him used as a fullback, also.
