NASHVILLE – The Titans face the Vikings in preseason finale on Friday night at Nissan Stadium.
Here's a look at six things to watch in the contest:
Cam's Final Tune-Up
Titans quarterback Cam Ward has one more chance against another opponent before the Week One contest in Denver. In the team's first two preseason games, Ward has played a total of five series, and that includes some quick ones. He's thrown just 15 passes. The reality is Ward's work in practices – especially the joint practices in Tampa and Atlanta – have arguably been more valuable than his limited snaps in games. Ward won't play much in the preseason finale either, maybe a few series. Even with limited work, the Titans would love to see Ward end the preseason on a high note.
Running backs
Tyjae Spears is out, and I think veteran running back Tony Pollard has gotten all the work he needs leading up to the regular season as well. So, running backs Julius Chestnut, Kalel Mullings, Jordan Mims and Jermar Jefferson are in line to share the load against the Vikings, who aren't expected to play their starters much, if at all. Chestnut has proven to be the most reliable back behind the veterans, and he'll look to put a stamp on his work Friday night.
O-Line
Things seem to be trending in the right direction for center Lloyd Cushenberry, whose work in practices has given the team some optimism regarding his Week One chances. Meanwhile, right tackle JC Latham missed practices this week. Latham is expected to be fine, but I'm not expecting to see Cushenberry or Latham vs the Vikings. The Titans sat guard Kevin Zeitler for the first two preseason games. In Year 14, does he really need the work now? What that means is others, like center Corey Levin, will have a chance to play, some longer than others.
Rookie WRs
Veteran Calvin Ridley was held out of two practices during the week, so I don't expect him to play on Friday night either. I'd look for the rookies – Elic Ayomanor and Chimere Dike – to get extended playing time in this one, as the team aims to get them as comfortable as possible for the regular season. A bunch of others fighting for final spots on the roster – and at a receiver position in particular – will have one more chance to make their cases as well.
Jeffery Simmons in the Preseason
Earlier this week, Titans defensive lineman Jeffery Simmons made it clear he wants to play in the preseason finale. He planned to make that known to his coaches as well. Simmons hasn't played in the preseason this year – heck, I'm not sure of the last time he's played in the preseason – but a tune-up would probably be good to get his juices going, too. We'll have to wait to see Simmons and T'Vondre Sweat on the field together, though, since Sweat has been sidelined for a bit himself.
Last Chance
The Titans, like every other team in the NFL, will begin making roster cuts in the days following Friday's game. All teams must be down to 53 players by next Tuesday, and practice squads will be built by next Wednesday. The Titans have a pretty good idea of what they're doing at most spots, but there are still decisions to be made. Players who might not stick in Tennessee have a chance to impress other teams. Are players currently on the roster competing against players on other rosters who could be cut next week? With the top spot on the waiver wire, I'd say the answer is yes. Plus, guys like linebacker Cedric Gray want to keep the momentum going tonight in trying to claim a starting spot. While fans are counting the days to the regular season, there's still something at stake in the preseason finale.
