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USA Today Sports Media Group
USA Today Sports Media Group
Sport
Mike Moraitis

Biggest takeaways from Titans’ 2nd joint practice with Vikings

The Tennessee Titans had their second and final joint practice of the week with the Minnesota Vikings on Thursday afternoon ahead of the pair’s preseason Week 2 showdown at U.S. Bank Stadium on Saturday night.

It was another strong day for the Titans’ defense, although defensive lineman Teair Tart did let his emotions get the best of him when he threw a punch at Vikings offensive lineman Garrett Bradbury, leading to Tart being ejected from practice.

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He didn’t appear to be happy about it afterwards, with the Florida International product tweeting, “lame af.”

In other news, Titans head coach Mike Vrabel revealed that rookie signal-caller Will Levis exited practice early with an injury and his status is now uncertain for preseason Week 2.

All we know about the injury thus far is that it’s of the lower body variety, according to Titans beat writer Paul Kuharsky.

With all that out of the way, let’s get to the rest of the biggest takeaways.

Absences

Syndication: The Tennessean

Will Levis among early exits

Syndication: The Tennessean

Titans' defense impressive again

Syndication: The Tennessean

Jim Wyatt, Titans Online: “Amani Hooker had two break-ups in the 1-on-1s, and Azeez Al-Shaair, Sean Murphy-Bunting, Mike Brown, Jack Gibbens, Anthony Kendall, Otis Reese IV all had breakups as well. Kevin Byard and Matthew Jackson had PBUs in the 2-on-2s.”

Wyatt: “Cornerback Roger McCreary had an interception in the 2-on-2s, his second INT in as many days.”

Tannehill outduels Cousins

Syndication: The Tennessean

Tyjae Spears stands out as a pass-catcher

Syndication: The Tennessean

Kyle Philips getting more run

Syndication: The Tennessean

Paul Kuharsky: “Kyle Philips’ role seemed to expand with Burks not on the field.”

Kristian Fulton with the Play of the Day

AP Photo/Mark Humphrey

QB notes

Syndication: The Tennessean

Wyatt: “Titans quarterback Ryan Tannehill was 17-of-26 in the 7-on-7 and team periods combined, doing his best work in a 2-minute drill late when he completed five straight passes, including a touchdown. Tannehill went 37-of-51 in the two days combined against the Vikings.”

Wyatt: “Quarterback Malik Willis went 6-of-12 in the 7-on-7 and team periods combined, and he was intercepted by Vikings cornerback Andrew Booth in the end zone at the end of his two-minute drive opportunity. Booth celebrated by throwing the ball in the direction of the Tennessee sideline, and no one liked that – including the refs, who threw a flag. Willis completed a bomb to receiver Chris Moore, but it was called back because of a mystery penalty. No one liked that either. Willis, after going 13-of-14 on Wednesday, was 19-of-26 in the two days combined.”

Wyatt: “Before exiting early, Levis was 3-of-5 in his work in team periods, including a touchdown toss to Holmes. I had Levis at 8-of-12 in the 7-on-7 and team periods combined over the two days combined.”

Josh Whyle bounces back

Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Wyatt: “I thought Whyle had a good two days. After a tough outing against the Bears, the tight end showed up in these practices. He made plays in 7-on-7 and team periods, and one of them was a touchdown toss from Tannehill on the first play of 7-on-7 today.”

Mike Brown shines

Syndication: The Tennessean

Wyatt: “Mike Brown had several PBUs on the day as well. I think this guy is playing his way onto the roster.”

Pass protection 'a little shaky'

Syndication: The Tennessean

Wyatt: “Pass protection was a little shaky in one team period, when it looked like Tannehill was pressured once, and Willis was pressured once, and sacked another time.”

Practice videos

Syndication: The Tennessean

Player, coach comments

Syndication: The Tennessean
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