In Wednesday’s joint practice against the Vikings, Titans receiver Treylon Burks came up injured after making a great catch. The receiver was carted off shortly after that amidst fears that the unthinkable had occurred.
#Titans Treylon Burks beats #Vikings Akayleb Evens deep than comes off hobbling. pic.twitter.com/sxXCU9Ca60
— Leighton Glodek (@LGlodek) August 16, 2023
Sometime after the unfortunate injury, Ian Rapaport of NFL Network released information on Burks that he avoided significant damage to his knee.
#Titans WR Treylon Burks suffered an LCL sprain during practice today, sources say after the MRI. This is good news, as Burks should only miss a few weeks. A scare, but a solid result considering. pic.twitter.com/aIw4FsVC7t
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 16, 2023
Projections show that Burks is scheduled to miss two to six weeks, according to Dr. Jesse Morse of Fantasy DRS. Should the latter end of the timeline be accurate, this tracks to put him in play in Week 5. How will the Titans proceed after the injury to Burks?
Possible Replacements For the Injured Treylon Burks
Internal Options
DeAndre Hopkins is the clear lead dog of the group, but who will assume the mantle of WR2 in Burks’ absence? Optimistically, Burks misses only two weeks but the Titans are conservative with injuries.
Nick Westbrook-Ikhine would be the first choice to get the lion’s share of the reps. Veterans like Chris Moore, Kyle Philips, and Reggie Roberson are next in line. Essentially, everyone slated for WR3 and beyond would move up. It’s certainly likely one of the UDFAs like Kearis Jackson and Tre’Shaun Harrison would make the roster. Seventh-round rookie Colton Dowell has a decent chance to make the roster as well.
External Options
Even with the addition of Hopkins, the Titans’ receiver room is one of the most underwhelming units in the league. With the loss of Treylon Burks due to injury, the backups are even more scrutinized. General Manager Ran Carthon will certainly monitor the waiver wire once camp cuts begin. According to Spotrac.com, Tennessee has $11.6 million in cap space, which is good for the 15th most in the league.
The Old Guys (30+)
T.Y. Hilton is a veteran who made his name running amok against the Titans throughout his career. He played for the Cowboys last season, featuring in just three games, recording just seven receptions and no touchdowns. It’s very unlikely that he gets a call from any team this season as he’s 33 years old.
Jarvis Landry has experience with Ryan Tannehill from their Miami days. Last season’s homecoming for the former Bayou Bengal was a less-than-thrilling experience. He posted career lows in his age-30 season with just 25 receptions for 272 yards and one touchdown. He might be an option for Tampa Bay now that Russell Gage is out for the season. Still, expect the Titans to possibly kick the tires.
Sammy Watkins, the oft-traveled veteran receiver, is still willing to play after a downcast 2022 that saw him with two different teams. He has crossed paths with the Titans on numerous occasions in his career. What’s another former Clemson Tigers star receiver, eh? He’s 30 years old currently and might still have some tread left.
The Young Veterans (24-30)
James Washington was recently cut by the Saints this week after an underwhelming 2022 with the Cowboys. He could provide a little bit of competition to the back end of the roster. The Saints just didn’t have enough reps for him in a crowded room. He’s just 27 years old and is probably on his last chance in the league.
Anthony Miller is yet another former Steelers receiver looking for a chance to prove himself in the league. He was a Bears draft pick to start his career. Miller does have some crossover with the current staff as he played for Houston under offensive coordinator Tim Kelly. That connection along with his Memphis ties could be his ticket to Nashville.
Preston Williams spent his 2022 campaign as a member of the Carolina Panthers practice squad. He spent his first three seasons with Miami. A draft nerd’s dream in his class but it just hasn’t translated a ton for him except for flashes. He fits the profile of other Titans receivers: being big and physical. He’s just 26 years old and garnered some workouts earlier this offseason.
Rashard Higgins wasn’t the greatest for last year’s Panthers team to say the least. He posted zero stats in Charlotte. He’s entering his age 28 season and could have a little something left in the tank. At least a look at a far more advanced offense could harken to his more consistent Cleveland days.
Main Photo: Andrew Nelles – USA Today Sports
