SANTA CLARA, Calif. – The Titans face the San Francisco 49ers on Thursday night at Levi's Stadium.
Here's a look at six things to watch in the contest:
Cam Ward, Year 2
Titans quarterback Cam Ward will kick off his second NFL season on Thursday night. Well, sort of. Yes, it's the preseason, and Ward won't play a whole lot in this contest. So, the reality is this game won't provide any definitive answers, good or bad. Still, the preseason opener will give us at least a hint of where things stand with all the newness around him, from players to coaches. The Titans want to see Ward making good decisions and good plays in his first contest under the guidance of OC Brian Daboll. The 49ers aren't expected to play many of their starters in this one, but that doesn't mean this game doesn't mean something to Ward, and the Titans.
Carnell Tate and Company
Titans fans have heard plenty about rookie Carnell Tate during the course of the offseason, and during training camp. Now, they'll get to see him for the first time in a game. Tate has answered every challenge so far, so this will be another as he gets tuned up for the 2026 season. Tate's not the only one who needs to keep building, of course. Whether it's Ward throwing the football, or the other quarterbacks, this game will be about timing, and getting on the same page, with all the receivers. This is a deep group, and some guys battling for final roster spots should get a chance to shine.
O-Line Test
The most scrutinized position on Tennessee's roster is the offensive line. At this point, the team is set at left tackle (Dan Moore Jr.), right tackle (JC Latham) and left guard (Peter Skoronski). But the Titans need players at center and right guard to give them confidence heading into the season. Austin Schlottmann is in the lead to be the team's starting center, and the team wants him to take control in these preseason games. Right guard is a position to watch, because it's up for grabs. Cordell Volson begins preseason play No.1 on the depth chart at right guard but others, like rookie Fernando Carmona, are looking to unseat him. Carmona has been surging of late. Some will play more than others in this one, and performance matters.
Saleh's Debut is a Homecoming
This will be the head coaching debut for Robert Saleh with the Titans, as a new era begins. The franchise is looking for Saleh to provide stability, and to turn things around in time. It turns out Saleh will take the field at his old stomping grounds, at Levi's Stadium. When the Titans faced the 49ers in a regular season game here last December, Saleh was defensive coordinator with the 49ers. He'll coach against some of his buddies in his first game as Titans coach.
Defense
The Titans are unveiling a new look on defense, switching from a 3-4 defensive scheme to a 4-3 under Saleh and company. New faces are everywhere, at all levels of the defense. The Titans won't give too much away in the preseason, but the games will provide a tease of how the team wants to play from a physicality standpoint. Again, I wouldn't look for the starters to play much, as this game will be more of a tune-up. But try telling that to a guy like rookie linebacker Anthony Hill Jr., who is fighting for a starting spot. Some hungry players will be on the field throughout the game, looking to make a name for themselves.
Special Teams
Joey Slye is currently the only kicker on the roster, so he'll get all the work on Thursday night. After a tough stretch recently in practices, Slye was a perfect 6-of-6 in Tuesday's joint practice. The team wants to see him settle down, and settling in. Punter Tommy Townsend doesn't have a camp leg behind him, so he'll use the preseason to get into regular season form on a new team. Special teams is an area where players can earn roster spots, by breaking ties for their work on coverage and return teams. The Titans want to see guys show their hunger, and make an impact.
