Treylon Burks faces this year’s training camp as a pending free agent. The former first-rounder expectedly had his fifth-year option declined this spring, a move that came about in no small part due to his injury history.
Burks is rehabbing an ACL tear, the latest ailment to leave him sidelined in his career. After suffering the injury in October, it was eventually determined surgery would be required. The timing of the procedure led to questions about Burks’ availability for the offseason and the start of the 2025 campaign.
When speaking about the progress made so far in rehab, though, head coach Brian Callahan offered an encouraging update. Burks is ahead of schedule, Callahan said during this week’s minicamp, via team reporter Jim Wyatt. He added the 25-year-old is essentially at 80% right now, preventing him from participating in on-field work in a full capacity.
Callahan said he is hopeful Burks will be cleared in time for training camp next month. That would be a critical development for the Arkansas product, who might not be considered a roster lock at this point. Burks has played just 27 games to date, and his rookie campaign (33-444-1 statline) has been his most productive so far. Acquired to replace — at least in part — A.J. Brown, he has been unable to do so. A healthy camp could at least allow for Burks to carve out a role alongside the likes of Calvin Ridley and free agent pickup Tyler Lockett.
In other injury news, center Lloyd Cushenberry is making steady progress in his own rehab. A November Achilles tear ended the veteran center’s debut campaign in Tennessee and began a lengthy road to recovery. Cushenberry is aiming to be available in time for Week 1 of the 2025 season, though.
“I feel good, man,” the former Broncos starter said, via Wyatt. “I am close to being back, cleared and healthy and ready to go. The offseason has been good, I am locking in on my diet, getting in the best shape as I can. I am doing well.”
Cushenberry will reprise his role atop the center depth chart when he is cleared. Improved play up front will be a target for the Titans in 2025 after the team added left tackle Dan Moore Jr. and right guard Kevin Zeitler in free agency. Getting Cushenberry — who signed a four-year, $50M pact last March — back in the fold would be key for Tennessee’s offense. It will be interesting to see if he manages to receive clearance in time to participate in training camp on at least a part-time basis.
More must-reads:
Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Emailed daily. Always free!