The fourth week of training camp is in the books, and the Tennessee Titans finished it off with a hard-fought 19-16 preseason victory over the Seattle Seahawks.
In what was a sloppy game by the starting units on both sides of the ball, the Titans’ reserves did just enough to come back and pull out the victory. Cam Ward was better, but still didn’t set the world on fire, and the Titans’ defense was gashed for two big-play first-quarter touchdowns.
Tennessee will now set its sights on the final week of camp, with cut-down day less than a week away. Here is Titans Wire’s 53-man roster projection for the week, which will look a little different.
Quarterbacks (2)
Starter: Cam WardReserves: Mitch Trubisky
These two stay the same. If there is a change, it will be that Hendon Hooker has outplayed Will Levis and would appear to have an inside track toward a practice squad spot as the Titans’ third quarterback.
Running backs (4)
Starter: Tony PollardReserves: Tyjae Spears, Nick Singleton, Julius Chestnut
The Titans running game looked good against the Seahawks, even without Singleton, who sat out with a foot injury. In his place, Chestnut stepped in and took full advantage of the opportunity. Tennessee does have some depth at the position, and this week will be important for those final few spots, and Chestnut has some momentum.
Wide Receivers (5)
Starters: Calvin Ridley, Wan’Dale Robinson, Carnell TateReserves: Elic Ayomanor, Chimere Dike
This is a big change for the roster, keeping only five receivers on the initial 53-man roster. Tennessee is clearly five deep, and after that, it is a battle. Xavier Restrepo has looked good on offense but has struggled on special teams, including a holding penalty on Sunday night, while Bryce Oliver has flashed on special teams but has not done much on offense. One of them, or veteran KJ Osborn, who should return on Tuesday, could earn that spot, but for now, sticking with five receivers.
Tight ends (4)
Starter: Gunnar HelmReserves: Daniel Bellinger, David Martin-Robinson, Kylen Granson
After going with only three tight ends on the breakdown last week, Granson gets added here into one of the spots opened up by only carrying five wide receivers. Keeping four tight ends makes sense and gives the Titans some scheme versatility heading into the season.
Offensive linemen (9)
Starters: Dan Moore Jr., Peter Skoronski, Austin Schlottmann, Fernando Carmona, JC LathamReserves: Jackson Slater, Pat Coogan, Andre James, Brandon Crenshaw-Dickson
As the final week of camp hits, it appears as if the starting five is set, although Tennessee could still look outside for some additions that could help out the unit.
Defensive line (11)
Starters: Jeffery Simmons, John Franklin-Myers, Jermaine Johnson, Jacob MartinReserves: Femi Oladejo, Keldric Faulk, Solomon Thomas, Jordan Elliott, Jackie Marshall, Khelen Saunders, Truman Jones
Head coach Robert Saleh will rotate his defensive linemen and plans to be around nine deep on game day, so keeping 11 makes some sense. Jones is coming on and brings some juice as a pass rusher, and slides into one of the final spots.
Linebackers (5)
Starters: Cody Barton, Cedric Gray, James Williams Sr.Reserves: Anthony Hill Jr., Mohamoud Diabate
We are sticking with this group, although it was clear against the Seahawks that Hill must be on the field in place of Barton. However, to start the season as the veteran in the group, Barton will likely hang onto his spot in the starting lineup.
Cornerback (6)
Starters: Cor’Dale Flott, Alontae Taylor, Marcus HarrisReserves: Joshua Williams, Keydrain Calligan, Micah Robinson
The Titans' cornerbacks did play better against the Seahawks and made some plays. Williams remains one of the top reserves, although his injury status heading into the final week is concerning. Not only did he miss the game against the Seahawks, but he is also not scheduled to be reevaluated until late in the week.
Safety (4)
Starters: Amani Hooker, Kevin Winston Jr.Reserves: Tony Adams, Kendell Brooks
Sticking with Brooks in this final spot mostly due to his special teams abilities. Newcomer Derrick Canteen is familiar with both Saleh and the system, made a game-clinching interception against the Seahawks, and could work his way into contention with another strong week.
Special teams (3)
Starters: Joey Slye (K), Tommy Townsend (P), Morgan Cox (LS)
Slye continued his perfect preseason, and Townsend looked like a Pro Bowler, leading the Titans’ special teams against Seattle.
This article originally appeared on Titans Wire: Tennessee Titans 53-man projection: Changes after win over Seahawks