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

Biggest takeaways from Titans’ 6th padded practice of training camp

The Tennessee Titans hit the practice field for their sixth padded session of training camp on Tuesday — and with that practice, they are one step closer to their preseason opener on Saturday against the Chicago Bears.

The Titans had their longest list of absences of any training camp practice, a list that was headed by wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins. While we can’t say exactly why Hopkins was absent, it doesn’t appear to be injury-related.

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On the flip side, the Titans saw the return of offensive lineman Corey Levin, who had missed multiple practices in a row of late. Levin’s return is a welcomed sight, as he’s an important depth piece for this team.

In other news, guys like linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair and wideout Reggie Roberson continued what has been an impressive summer for them. We also have several notes on how the quarterbacks fared.

Now, the biggest takeaways based on what beat writers on the ground saw.

Attendance

Denny Simmons – USA Today Sports Network via The Tennessean

Jim Wyatt, Titans Online: “DeAndre Hopkins, who had a big day on Monday, got the day off on Tuesday.”

Wyatt: “In addition to Hopkins, defensive lineman Teair Tart, defensive back Chris Jackson, defensive back A.J. Moore, offensive lineman John Ojukwu, defensive lineman Naquan Jones, and tight end Alize Mack did not practice on Tuesday.”

Azeez Al-Shaair continues to shine

Syndication: The Tennessean

Wyatt: “I oftentimes lead with the highlights on offense, but this spot is going to the defense today, and one player in particular – linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair. Once again, Al-Shaair was around the football all day. The former 49ers backer intercepted quarterback Ryan Tannehill early, and he nearly got him again later when he was gunning for receiver Kyle Philips. Al-Shaair has been turning in a lot of good days in camp, and afterward he drew some praise from head coach Mike Vrabel.”

Strong day for Trey Wolff

Thomas Shea-USA TODAY Sports

Wyatt: “In addition to the two makes at the end of the two-minute drives, Wolff also made 8-of-9 kicks in a special teams period, making kicks from 33, 35, 48, 44, 51, 33, 41 and 33, with a miss from 40. Wolff finished the day 10-of-11, and I now have him at 42-of-47 in camp. Kicker Caleb Shudak did not kick on Tuesday, and I have him at 36-of-40 in camp.”

Roberson, Harrison continue to outduel McMath, Dowell

Syndication: The Tennessean

Wyatt: “I mentioned Roberson making a big catch in the two-minute period, and he’s been showing up more and more of late.”

Punt returners

Syndication: The Tennessean

Wyatt: “Kearis Jackson, Kyle Philips, Mason Kinsey, Gavin Holmes and Eric Garror all fielded punts in a special teams period.”

Dillon Radunz sighting

AP Photo/John Amis

Wyatt: “I saw offensive lineman Dillon Radunz, who remains on PUP, working on a side field with a trainer.”

Quarterback nuggets

Syndication: The Tennessean

Wyatt: “Tannehill had some good moments, including a strike to receiver Treylon Burks on the first play of the up-tempo period and a bomb to Burks in 7-on-7s. Tannehill also went 6-for-6 in a 7-on-7 period. But his two-minute drive ended with the pick, as he tried to squeeze the ball into a tight window. Tannehill finished the day 13-of-17 with the two INTs in the 7-on-7 and team periods combined, and I now have him at 82-of-129 with three interceptions in 7-on-7 and team periods combined in the nine open practices of camp.”

Wyatt: “Quarterback Malik Willis did a really nice job in a two-minute period at the end of practice. All three QBs were presented with this scenario: 1:10 left, ball at own 25, need a FG, one time out. Willis moved up in the pocket to complete a pass to Mason Kinsey on the first play before connecting with receiver Colton Dowell and tight end Josh Whyle. Then came a strike downfield to receiver Reggie Roberson Jr., roughly 25 yards downfield. After Willis spiked the ball, kicker Trey Wolff came on the field and made his 33-yard field goal. Mission accomplished for Willis and the No.2 offense. I had Willis 8-of-15 for the day, and I now have him at 56-of-99 in 7-on-7 and team periods combined.”

Wyatt: “Quarterback Will Levis did his job effectively in the two-minute period as well. Levis came out firing, connecting with receiver Tre’Shaun Harrison on a bullet across the middle to set the drive in motion. Then came a sideline completion to receiver Gavin Holmes, before a strike to tight end Kevin Rader. Levis missed streaking Kearis Jackson downfield, but after a Julius Chestnut run, the Titans sent Wolff out for another kick, and he made it, barely, from 47 yards. Mission accomplished for Levis and the No.3 offense. I had Levis at 11-of-15 on the day, and I now have him at 58-of-95 in the 7-on-7 and team periods so far in camp.”

Practice videos

Syndication: The Tennessean

Post-practice comments

Syndication: The Tennessean

Next open practice: Thursday, Aug. 10 (9:15 a.m. - 11:15 a.m. CT)

Syndication: The Tennessean
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