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

Biggest takeaways from Titans’ blue vs. white scrimmage

The Tennessee Titans returned to the practice field on Tuesday for their first open session since preseason Week 2, but this one came with a twist.

The Titans, who were originally scheduled to take part in joint practices with the New England Patriots this week before the team canceled them due to an injury to cornerback Isaiah Bolden, held a blue vs. white scrimmage instead.

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With quarterback Will Levis still sidelined, it was veteran Ryan Tannehill at the helm of the white team, and second-year signal-caller Malik Willis was quarterbacking the blue team.

After practice, head coach Mike Vrabel gave a positive review of the session, according to Jim Wyatt of TennesseeTitans.com.

“At one point in time, however I was keeping score, (it was) 36-33, and I thought we had good plays on both sides,” Vrabel said. “I thought it very competitive, back and forth, good energy.”

Now, the biggest takeaways from Tuesday.

Non-participants and those who returned

Syndication: The Tennessean

Jim Wyatt: “Running back Hassan Haskins, running back Jonathan Ward, linebacker Monty Rice, defensive lineman Kyle Peko did not practice on Tuesday. Kearis Jackson was spotted at practice, but he did not participate.”

Wyatt: “In addition to (Colton) Dowell, defensive back Elijah Molden and defensive lineman Naquan Jones were back at practice on Tuesday.

Chig exits early

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Tough first day but strong finish for Michael Badgley

AP Photo/Wade Payne

Nuggets on Tannehill, Willis

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Wyatt: “Titans quarterback Ryan Tannehill completed several long touchdown passes in the scrimmage, and he was 13-of-18 on the day. Tannehill is now 119-of-183 in 7-on-7 and team periods combined in practices, not counting the work against the Vikings.”

Wyatt: “Titans quarterback Malik Willis started out hot, completing his first three passes in a 7-on-7 period, including a bomb to rookie receiver Colton Dowell for a touchdown. Willis finished the day 12-of-18 in the 7-on-7 and team period combined, with an interception, and he’s now 85-of-146 in 7-on-7 and team periods combined in camp.”

DeAndre Hopkins shines

Syndication: The Tennessean

Wyatt: “Receiver DeAndre Hopkins had a really good, active practice. Hopkins caught a deep sideline pass early, and he was also on the receiving end of a deep ball from Tannehill that resulted in a touchdown… Hopkins had at least six catches on the day, including some pretty impressive grabs.”

Amani Hooker with another pick

Syndication: The Tennessean

Wyatt: “Safety Amani Hooker intercepted Willis late on a deep ball. It was Hooker third interception since training camp began (counting his INT in Minnesota), and that’s tied with cornerback Roger McCreary for the most in camp.”

Shyheim Carter stands out

AP Photo/Mark Humphrey

UDFA highlights

Jamie Sabau-USA TODAY Sports

Wyatt: “Defensive back Eric Garror nearly intercepted Willis on a short four-play sequence that was won by the defense.”

Wyatt: “Cornerback Anthony Kendall had a nice PBU on a ball intended for Hopkins.”

Wyatt: “Defensive back Armani Marsh knocked the ball out of the hands of Hopkins in a team period with a heads-up play, but Hopkins was on the sideline and the ball went out of bounds.”

Practice videos

Syndication: The Tennessean

Coach, player comments

Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports

Next open practice: Wednesday, Aug. 23 (9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.)

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