And just like that, the preseason came to an end with the Tennessee Titans falling 24-15 to the Chicago Bears on Saturday night, and now the real work begins.
The Titans will have to make tough decisions as they pare their roster down to 53 players on Sunday afternoon, and they have a few options. Head coach Robert Saleh's decision to rest some starters and give extra snaps to those fighting for a roster spot added some clarity, but it’s still a challenge not knowing the final player allotment.
Here is Titans Wire’s final attempt at predicting the 53-man roster.
Quarterbacks (2)
Starter: Cam WardReserves: Mitch Trubisky
There is a faction of the media who see the Titans carrying three quarterbacks into the regular season, and if that’s the case, it most likely would
be Will Levis. However, with needs elsewhere, there may not be a need to carry three quarterbacks on the final 53, and Tennessee sticks with just two: Ward and Trubisky.
Running backs (4)
Starter: Tony PollardReserves: Tyjae Spears, Nick Singleton, Julius Chestnut
This group stays the same as last week, with Chestnut grabbing the final spot due to his special teams value. D’Ernest Johnson had a nice game and made a late push, but he could be an option for the practice squad. Second-year back Kalel Mullings missed most of training camp and could land on injured reserve.
Wide Receivers (6)
Starters: Calvin Ridley, Wan’Dale Robinson, Carnell TateReserves: Elic Ayomanor, Chimere Dike, Xavier Restrepo
The big change here is the addition of Restrepo to the final roster. The second-year receiver just makes plays and has proven to not only have the ability to produce on offense, but his chemistry with Cam Ward is still intact. Bryce Oliver was one of the final cuts, but his lack of production as a wide receiver overshadowed his special teams value.
Tight ends (4)
Starter: Gunnar HelmReserves: Daniel Bellinger, David Martin-Robinson, Kylen Granson
Granson got some added reps with both Gunnar Helm and Daniel Bellinger sitting this one out. His performance was enough to have him grab one of the final spots on the 53.
Offensive linemen (9)
Starters: Dan Moore Jr., Peter Skoronski, Austin Schlottmann, Fernando Carmona, JC LathamReserves: Jackson Slater, Pat Coogan, Cordell Volson, Brandon Crenshaw-Dickson
Volson sneaks onto the roster as the final offensive lineman due to his experience and ability to serve as a veteran presence in the room. Tennessee could still look to add some linemen after the final cuts, but this is likely the group heading into the season.
Defensive line (10)
Starters: Jeffery Simmons, John Franklin-Myers, Jermaine Johnson, Jacob MartinReserves: Femi Oladejo, Keldric Faulk, Solomon Thomas, Jordan Elliott, Khelen Saunders, Truman Jones
Head coach Robert Saleh will rotate his defensive linemen and plans to be around nine deep on game day, so keeping 10 makes sense. Rookie Jackie Marshall was dropped and will likely be added to the practice squad as a developmental piece after not making a significant impression during training camp or the preseason.
Linebackers (5)
Starters: Cody Barton, Cedric Gray, James Williams Sr.Reserves: Anthony Hill Jr., Dorian Mausi
The Titans decide to keep only five linebackers, and Mausi secures the last spot due to his special teams value. He was helped by Mohammoud Diabate, who struggled in the preseason finale.
Cornerback (5)
Starters: Cor’Dale Flott, Alontae Taylor, Marcus HarrisReserves: Joshua Williams, Micah Robinson
The Titans go with five cornerbacks to start the season, but will likely add multiple to the practice squad. Both Keydrain Calligan and Mario Goodrich proved they could play and were in the final cuts. This could change if Joshua Williams isn’t cleared from his pec injury, and that could shift the numbers at the position.
Safety (5)
Starters: Amani Hooker, Kevin Winston Jr.Reserves: Tony Adams, Kendell Brooks, Erick Hallett
Tony Adams does bring some nickel flexibility, which allows the Titans to carry five safeties. Hallett has risen throughout camp and should make his way onto the roster.
Special teams (3)
Starters: Joey Slye (K), Tommy Townsend (P), Morgan Cox (LS)
Slye continued his perfect preseason, and Townsend looked like a Pro Bowler, leading the Titans’ special teams against the Bears.
This article originally appeared on Titans Wire: Titans 53-man projection: Final prediction before cuts
