The Tennessee Titans will open the preseason against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field in less than 2 weeks.
With such a highly competitive roster this year, there are several players on the roster bubble that are certainly worth watching.
These players are not only in a competition with other players at their respective positions, but also with each other to cement a place on the 53-man roster for the entirety of the season.
Here’s a look at four players to keep an eye on throughout the preseason.
Austin Barnard, P/K
Barnard is one of those rare players who not only kicks field goals, but also can be used as a punter. With Ryan Succop starting the season on the PUP list, we should get to see a lot of Barnard.
Many fans love Brett Kern, but how freeing would it be to have one man who is able to hold down both jobs with such limited roster space? With Brett Kern being a well-establish Pro Bowl player at his position, he’s far from in danger of losing his job, but the Titans could be set up to have a nice luxury in the future in Barnard.
Cameron Batson, WR
Batson made the Titans final 53-man roster last season as an undrafted free agent. But that was before the Titans brought in Adam Humphries and A.J. Brown.
The Titans seem to love Batson still, though, and he recently received an offseason award for maintaining a solid work ethic even while away from the team.
On the second day of training camp, head coach Mike Vrabel praised Batson for his physicality. Vrabel also mentioned of a play against Dallas when the Titans were in third-down situation with 10 yards to go in which Batson came up with a screen pass in a crowded area and put his head down to gain 15 yards.
Batson will need to develop more going into year two, as well as prove his worth as a special teams player in order to make the final cut.
Anthony Firkser, TE
Firkser caught 19 of his 20 targets last season, and was highly dependable for the Titans.
His touchdown against the Jets in last season’s meeting were the first points the Titans scored in that 26-22, come-from-behind victory. Vrabel praised Firkser after the contest, highlighting the trust the quarterbacks have in him and his ability to get open and catch the football.
This season, the Titans already have a crowded tight ends room, and veteran Delanie Walker is set to return. Last year, Firkser always seemed to be the odd man out, getting moved to the 53-man roster and then back down to the practice squad.
It will be interesting to see if he can maintain a spot within the former all season long.
David Fluellen, RB
Fluellen is likely a lock to make the final roster, barring an injury. What will make him especially interesting to watch is his new role in the offense.
After beefing up this offseason, the Titans are planning to use him as both a running back and a full back.
With that being the case, we should see more of Fluellen this season in a host of creative roles.
