NASHVILLE – The Titans returned to the practice field on Friday at Ascension Saint Thomas Sports Park to continue preparations for Sunday's game at the Las Vegas Raiders.
Here's a look at the developments from the day:
-The Titans will have a new kicker on Sunday vs the Raiders.
With Joey Slye ruled OUT for the contest with a calf injury, kicker Matthew Wright will kick for the team in Las Vegas.
"Matthew has kicked for a bunch of teams now, and he's consistent," Coach Brian Callahan said. "He doesn't have probably Slye's range, but he's accurate, consistent, done it for a bunch of teams. Feel good about where he is at."
Wright was signed to the team's practice squad earlier in the week, and he'll be on the team's gameday roster.
Wright was 4-of-4 in two games for the Titans in 2024. In his career, he's appeared in 29 games and has hit 55-of-63 field goals (87.3 percent), including 7-of-11 from beyond 50 yards.
"Lots of new faces (from last year)," Wright said in the locker room on Friday. "It helps working with (long snapper) Morgan Cox from before, and I was with (holder) Johnny (Hekker) in Carolina for a little bit. They are professional snappers and holders, so it's usually a pretty clean operation, just focus on kicking the ball."
Callahan said Slye's injury shouldn't be long-term.
-Titans right tackle JC Latham practiced for the third straight day on Friday, and the plan is for him to return to action on Sunday, per Callahan.
Latham, who has missed the past four games with a hip injury, will be listed as QUESTIONABLE on the team's injury report.
"Very excited about having JC back," Callahan said. "He'll be working through not playing for a little bit, but he's looked good in practice all week and feels good. He should be ready to rock and roll."
-Edge rusher Jihad Ward will be the team's extra captain for Sunday's game.
-In addition to Slye, Callahan ruled out four other players for Sunday's game:
Offensive lineman Blake Hance (shoulder) has been ruled OUT.
Cornerback Marcus Harris (calf) has been ruled OUT.
Edge Arden Key (quad) has been ruled OUT.
Receiver Bryce Oliver (knee) has been ruled OUT.
-Without Key, Callahan said Dre'Mont Jones, Jihad Ward and Femi Oladejo will get most of the work at edge in a three-man rotation, with Jaylen Harrell spelling them when needed.
-Callahan discussed the "Dirty Work Player of the Week" honor linebacker Cedric Gray was awarded with for his play last week against the Cardinals.
Gray wore a black jersey in practices this week.
Callahan said it's a new tradition that will honor players after wins for "guys who are the unsung heroes in a game, that had to do a bunch of stuff that maybe isn't going to get recognized by the general public, but (we) recognize the effort, and the importance of that type of play."
Callahan noted Gray played 50 snaps as a linebacker against the Cardinals, and 17 more on special teams.
"He played well on both phases," Callahan said of Gray. "So, it's a chance to recognize that work and that commitment."
-Callahan said he's hopeful the team will be able to open the return to practice window next week for defensive lineman T'Vondre Sweat, who will miss his fifth straight game on Sunday.
It will be Sweat's fourth missed game since being placed on Injured Reserve on Sept. 20. Sweat was inactive for the September 14 game with the Rams because of an ankle injury.
And now, more injury/practice updates from Friday:
-Receiver Van Jefferson (ankle) was limited in practice and listed as QUESTIONABLE.
-Receiver Tyler Lockett practiced again and is good to go.
-Defensive lineman James Lynch (shoulder) practiced again and is good to go.
-Running back Tony Pollard practiced again and is good to go.
-Defensive lineman Jeffery Simmons (ankle) practiced again and is good to go.
-Cornerback L'Jarius Sneed practiced again and is good to go.
-Running back Tyjae Spears (ankle) practiced again and is good to go.
-Linebacker James Williams Sr. (wrist) practiced again and is good to go.
-Safety Kevin Winston Jr. (hamstring) practiced again and is good to go.
-The Titans will hold a walkthrough in Nashville on Friday before traveling to Las Vegas on Saturday for Sunday's game at Las Vegas.
