NASHVILLE — The Tennessee Titans started off training camp practice on Monday with some special teams warmups. Among the punt returners the Titans had catch balls were Kyle Philips, Mason Kinsey, Tre'Shaun Harrison, Kearis Jackson and Gavin Holmes. The only player there likely to make this team is Philips.
Harrison has gotten some positive reviews this week and Kinsey has been with the team for two years now, but neither are likely to get a roster spot and that would leave Philips as the only possible answer. And that's a good thing.
Philips showed some dynamic ability as a returner in his rookie year. He had a 46-yard return in week one against the Giants in 2022, but also fumbled twice on his five returns last season. Philips got hurt during that Giants game leading some to think not having Philips return punts is a better way to keep him healthy.
To that I say nay. Look at the other options the Titans have right now. None of them are going to make the team and no one else that will make the team has a ton of experience or skill at punt returning either. Not only is Philips experienced having returned punts in college, but he has ability. It was one of the big reasons he was drafted.
I am less concerned about Philips' availability now than a month ago. DeAndre Hopkins adds needed talent and appropriately slots every Titans' receiver down one more slot on the depth chart. This means Philips isn't as vital.
Maybe even more importantly than that, free-agent signing Chris Moore has impressed in camp. The seven-year veteran caught 48 passes last season for 548 yards. I think Moore is clearly the third-best receiver in the Titans' building. He should play more than Philips on offense anyways.
Mike Vrabel recently praised the veteran. Saying he wished he could have added Moore to the team a few years ago.
If Philips has an even more limited role on offense than he was needed to have a month ago, that frees him up to provide value as a punt returner where he can make a huge impact and is also harder to replace.
This gives you the best of both worlds. Philips makes a big impact, but is asked to take less of a beating on offense to remain healthy all year. Philips can play 10-15 snaps on offense each week while being the primary punt returner.
With the emergence of Moore and the value Philip can bring as a returner, the Titans need to make sure they prioritize Philip's special teams snaps and use him sparingly on offense in specific situations. It benefits Philips and the Titans long term.
Titans Training Camp Stories
- Malik's Revenge: The Tennessee Titans second-year passer is under a ton of pressure, but Malik Willis responded very well to an interception with a long touchdown pass on the next play. CLICK HERE
- Vrabel Praises Fulton: The Tennessee Titans need a big year from cornerback Kristian Fulton and Saturday was a nice sign that he is ready to deliver just that. CLICK HERE
- Levis Catches Fire: The Tennessee Titans' rookie pass Will Levis comes out on fire at training camp and throws five touchdown passes including three straight scoring throws in 7-on-7 drill. CLICK HERE
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