The Tennessee Titans kicked off the beginning of minicamp on Tuesday, and there was no shortage of topics to talk about after the practice.
Players like quarterback Marcus Mariota received mixed reviews, while others like cornerback Malcolm Butler were able to stand out.
Here are four takeaways from Tuesday:
1. Wide receiver A.J. Brown was present, but limited.
After pulling up on a route in a recent practice and sustaining an apparent hamstring injury that caused him to leave the field, Brown is back in action.
He worked through some the individual period, went through ladder drills, got some time in with WR coach Rob Moore on releases per ESPN’s Turron Davenport.
2. Several names were missing.
Tight end Jonnu Smith, tackle Jack Conklin, guard Rodger Saffold, tight end Delanie Walker, defensive lineman Jeffery Simmons and kicker Ryan Succop were among those not present in Tuesday’s practice.
Saffold was out for personal reason, so there is no reason for concern over injury.
3. Quarterback Marcus Mariota and the offense have seen better days.
Defense ruled the day on Tuesday.
Mariota had his fair share of hiccups, and was off-target on a number of passes. He did improve later on in the day, and looked sharp on shorter throws and on red-zone passes.
The offense looked wobbly overall, but it’s important to note this is only the first day of minicamp and only so much stock can be put into such an event.
4. Cornerback Malcolm Butler put on a good show.
Butler struggled initially last season, but redeemed himself toward the end — and it looks like he’s going to keep the momentum going.
Butler had several solid plays on the day, including a near-interception of Mariota in the middle of the field.
