For the first time in over seven months, the Tennessee Titans are playing a football game.
The team is set to make their 2019 preseason debut against the Philadelphia Eagles at 6:30 p.m. CT at Lincoln Financial Field on Thursday.
While the preseason is meaningless overall in terms of wins and losses, it does serve as a glimpse as to what we could expect to see from the team, as well as what many backup players are capable of.
Here are three Titans players to watch against the Eagles.
1. OLB Derick Roberson
The former Sam Houston State outside linebacker has been impressive during team drills and has also shown a great deal of maturity for a young player as he broke up a skirmish early on in camp.
Roberson tied for the FCS lead in sacks with 14 in 11 games last year, and could help the Titans strengthen the pass rush if he makes the team.
2. WR Kalif Raymond
With the depth the Titans have at the position, it’s going to take a lot for Raymond to make the final 53-man roster. But he’s been making his presence felt in camp for sure.
Raymond has proved himself to be versatile, putting himself in contention to find a place on special teams, and has earned first-team reps while drawing praise from his teammates and coaches.
3. RB Alex Barnes
Hardly any other UDFA has turned heads quite like Barnes. He’s obviously an underdog candidate, but has shown some serious flashes in practice. He was highly productive at Kansas State, posting 458 carries for 2,616 rushing yards and 25 touchdowns. He also recorded 25 receptions for 223 yards over 35 appearances.
Whether or not the Titans would keep a fourth running back behind Derrick Henry, Dion Lewis and David Fluellen remains to be seen, but Barnes is a guy to keep an eye out for.
