With veteran Chris Hubbard reportedly out for the season, it was thought the Tennessee Titans would have some combination of rookie Jaelyn Duncan and Dillon Radunz at the two tackle spots in Week 12 against the Carolina Panthers, but the team is apparently considering a third option.
When speaking before the team’s walkthrough on Tuesday, Titans head coach Mike Vrabel revealed Radunz would work at right tackle and the team would give both Duncan and Andre Dillard a look at left tackle in practice.
Dillard, who was ruled out last week due to a concussion, returned to the practice field on Tuesday and is expected to be ready to roll for Sunday, according to Vrabel.
Mike Vrabel said he thinks Andre Dillard will be available this week as he works towards clearing concussion protocol. Dillard and Jaelyn Duncan will work on the left side why Dillon Radunz will work on the right per Vrabel.
— TURRON DAVENPORT (@TDavenport_NFL) November 21, 2023
There are multiple reasons why going back to Dillard would be frustrating.
For starters, he’s been the team’s worst offensive lineman this season, which is saying a lot considering how bad the entire unit has been.
Furthermore, the Titans could be deploying someone who is highly unlikely to be on the team next year in place of a younger player who at least has a chance to factor into Tennessee’s long-term plans.
Duncan saw 25 snaps in Week 11 after Hubbard left early and he didn’t allow a pressure or sack in 12 pass-blocking snaps. Sure, a small sample size, but that’s enough to garner him a longer look, especially considering the alternative.
