After an off day on Saturday, the Tennessee Titans returned to the practice field for their ninth session of training camp on Sunday as the team prepares for its preseason opener on Thursday against the Baltimore Ravens.
Following practice, Titans head coach Mike Vrabel met with the media and one of the more standout quotes coming from him was about rookie linebacker, Jack Gibbens.
“Dr. Gibby (Vrabel’s nickname for Gibbens) is smart,” Vrabel said. “He’s picked up the defense extremely well. He’s going to be fun to watch playing in the game. He gets everybody lined up. He knows exactly what to do. He can help other guys. He’s always around the football. That’s kind of what we saw last year watching film at Minnesota.”
We pegged Gibbens as a longshot to make the roster at the start of training camp, but it appears we need to be paying more attention to the 2022 undrafted free agent.
Now, a look at the biggest takeaways from Day 9.
Absences
Jim Wyatt, Titans Online: “Receiver Cody Hollister and cornerback Elijah Molden, who’ve missed recent practices with injuries, remain out. Joining them on the ‘Did Not Practice’ list on Sunday: safety Amani Hooker, linebacker Dylan Cole, tight end Tommy Hudson and defensive lineman Denico Autry.”
Elijah Molden, Dylan Cole and Amani Hooker on the stationary bikes today. Molden has missed 5 consecutive practices now. #Titans
— TURRON DAVENPORT (@TDavenport_NFL) August 7, 2022
Injuries
Dontrel Hilliard just went down during a run period. Kind of slipped as he worked through line. On his feet now. Derrick Henry with him and trainers. #Titans.
— Paul Kuharsky (@PaulKuharskyNFL) August 7, 2022
Dontrel Hilliard walking well. Was flexing his hands earlier. Now going with with a medical person. #Titans
— Paul Kuharsky (@PaulKuharskyNFL) August 7, 2022
Jones jogged/walked off the field on his own
— AtoZ Sports Nashville (@AtoZSports) August 7, 2022
Ryan Stonehouse showing off the leg
Stonehouse has been booming punts before the start of #TitansCamp today!
— Titans247 (@NFL_Titans247) August 7, 2022
Credit to @rhettbtennessee for talking up Stonehouse a few weeks ago on the radio. The kid has some serious hang time on his punts. #Titans
— Titans247 (@NFL_Titans247) August 7, 2022
Ryan Stonehouse is currently out here kicking 70 yards punts like it ain't nothing. Dude got a leg on him! pic.twitter.com/bHEiKtQjLG
— Titans Rossi! (@TitansRossi) August 7, 2022
A sign of life for Larrell Murchison
In OL-DL one-on-ones, Larrell Murchison showed surprising signs of life. Top OL were good. More from my notes later. #Titans
— Paul Kuharsky (@PaulKuharskyNFL) August 7, 2022
A few INTs, but a good day overall for the QBs
Willis closed the period with a pretty drop shot to Josh Malone on a seam for the TD. https://t.co/UG2LxDVk64
— TURRON DAVENPORT (@TDavenport_NFL) August 7, 2022
Malik Willis throws into four defenders for Reggie Roberson, Josh Kalu picks. #Titans.
— Paul Kuharsky (@PaulKuharskyNFL) August 7, 2022
A little context on the INT. This pass was tipped. #Titans https://t.co/iilwTF376o
— TURRON DAVENPORT (@TDavenport_NFL) August 7, 2022
:50 on clock from near midfield, Ryan Tannehill overshoots Robert Woods. Roger McCreary pick. #Titans.
— Paul Kuharsky (@PaulKuharskyNFL) August 7, 2022
Ryan Tannehill’s next chance: 45-yard TD to Kyle Philips. Penalty on first 2- point play. Jordan Wilkins runs in second try. #Titans
— Paul Kuharsky (@PaulKuharskyNFL) August 7, 2022
Ryan Tannehill has been sharp today
— Terry McCormick (@terrymc13) August 7, 2022
Logan Woodside just fit a sweet pass through coverage to Terry Godwin in 7v7. Strong hands by Godwin to secure it through contact with Greg Mabin and the ground. #Titans
— TURRON DAVENPORT (@TDavenport_NFL) August 7, 2022
Randy Bullock solid again
Randy Bullock continues to be solid, hitting nine-of-10. With Caleb Shudak on PUP, it would take a real Bullock meltdown for him not to be the #Titans’ kicker on opening day.
— Paul Kuharsky (@PaulKuharskyNFL) August 7, 2022
Roger McCreary shines again, but also had a miscue
Then a mixup in coverage where he was supposed to take the TE but went w/Kyle Phillips. Austin Hooper was wide open as a result. Kevin Byard let McCreary know about it after the play. https://t.co/ubrD6Egov1
— TURRON DAVENPORT (@TDavenport_NFL) August 7, 2022
Ryan Tannehill tried to hit a Robert woods down the middle of the field but Roger MCreary picked it off. Was overthrown. INT #2 for Tannehill in camp. #Titans
— TURRON DAVENPORT (@TDavenport_NFL) August 7, 2022
Jim Wyatt, Titans Online: “DB Roger McCreary had a nice break-up on a pass intended for [Mason] Kinsey…”
Rookie LBs make plays
Good job by Chance Campbell matched up 1 on 1 w/Chig Okonkwo. Logan Woodside went to Okonkwo on the fade but Campbell broke it up during #Titans team period.
— TURRON DAVENPORT (@TDavenport_NFL) August 7, 2022
Play 3: Willis play action, blown dead for a sack with rookie LB Chance Campbell in the backfield.
— AtoZ Sports Nashville (@AtoZSports) August 7, 2022
Terry McCormick, Titan Insider: “[Jack] Gibbens had an interception of a pass off receiver Josh Malone’s hands in Friday’s practice, and on Sunday made a nice strip of the ball in goal line period of a pass for rookie tight end Chig Okonkwo to force an incompletion.”
Hassan Haskins had a good day with the ones
With Derrick Henry inactive for team drills, and a light day for Dontrell Hilliard, it’s notable that #Titans rookie RB Hassan Haskins is having a nice day while working in with the 1s.
— Sam Phalen (@Sam_Phalen) August 7, 2022
Punt returners
#Titans working on punt return:
Mason Kinsey
Kyle Philips
Treylon Burks
Terry Godwin
Reggie Roberson Jr
Brandon LewisTreylon Burks dropped 2 of his first 4 reps, then caught 8 in a row pic.twitter.com/QwnJ3s5dXI
— AtoZ Sports Nashville (@AtoZSports) August 7, 2022
Shakur Brown continues to stand out
Wyatt: “I keep noticing defensive back Shakur Brown, who joined the team early in camp. Brown had a nice break-up on a ball intended for receiver Racey McMath.”
Next practice: Monday, Aug. 8
