On Monday, Tennessee Titans head coach Mike Vrabel confirmed two things we already knew: veteran Chris Hubbard is the team’s starter at right tackle and his spot is not set in stone.
Hubbard was signed in late July as another depth option but he was thrust into the starting role once fellow offensive lineman Jamarco Jones got himself booted from the team after multiple fights in practice.
The problem with Hubbard is that he’s played sparingly over the past two seasons and it’s hard to know what to really expect from the 32-year-old.
In 45 snaps over three preseason games, Hubbard gave up two pressures and no sacks but also posted Pro Football Focus grades of 54.0 and 50.7 in run-blocking and pass protection, respectively.
As far as potential options beyond Hubbard are concerned, Vrabel named Dillon Radunz, who was activated off the PUP list on Monday, as well as Justin Murray and Jaelyn Duncan.
Mike Vrabel said right now Chris Hubbard is the starter at RT. Vrabel mentioned that it's not set in stone and named Justin Murray, Jaelyn Duncan (he said he'll be back today) and possibly Dillon Radunz in the future as options.
— TURRON DAVENPORT (@TDavenport_NFL) August 28, 2023
Of course, the right tackle job is up for grabs in the first place because of the gambling suspension for starter Nicholas Petit-Frere, who will miss the first six games of the season.
Vrabel revealed that NPF will actually be able to rejoin the team after three games and can work out, get treatment and be in meetings.
#TItans' Vrabel: Petit-Frere will be back in facility after 3 games, allowing him to work out, get treatment, be engaged in meetings. Will miss 6 games with suspension.
— John Glennon (@glennonsports) August 28, 2023
With Hubbard slotted in at right tackle, the Titans’ starting unit looks like this: LT Andre Dillard, LG Peter Skoronski, C Aaron Brewer, RG Daniel Brunskill, RT Chris Hubbard.
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