Xavier Restrepo gets one last shot to strengthen his case for Tennessee’s 53-man roster on Saturday, and the timing could hardly be more important. The Titans close their preseason against the Chicago Bears at 6:00 p.m. on NFL Network, and Restrepo is still fighting for a spot as the team sorts out its receiver room.
The former Miami All-American said the biggest change for him this year has been physical.
"I think the biggest difference this year was just my body," Restrepo told ESPN. "I lost about 10 pounds, got way faster, and just feel healthier.
Lighter on my feet, quicker out of my brakes. I have a coaching staff that believes in me and just opportunity.
That's all it is. I've had numerous amount of opportunities, and I'd like to think that I've done the most with them.
All praise to God, but I'm healthy. That's the biggest thing."
Restrepo has given Tennessee something to think about already. Through two preseason games, he is tied for the team lead with four catches for 26 yards in 22 offensive snaps. Earlier this month, in a joint practice against the San Francisco 49ers, he added two touchdown grabs and finished with a team-best five receptions.
The 24-year-old is entering his second season with the Titans after going undrafted in 2025. Last year, he played in two games and recorded three receptions for 41 yards.
Tennessee is expected to carry six receivers on its 53-man roster, and the picture at the top is pretty clear. Calvin Ridley, Carnell Tate, Wan'Dale Robinson, Chimere Dike and Elic Ayomanor are viewed as near locks for the first five spots.
That leaves K.J. Osborn, Bryce Oliver and Restrepo competing for the final place, with five other receivers also in the mix but seemingly trailing.
If Restrepo comes up short, he can still be signed to the practice squad.
The Titans open the regular season on Sept. 13 against the New York Jets.
Restrepo’s résumé at Miami is already well established. From 2020-24, he caught 200 passes for 2,844 yards and 21 touchdowns, making him the Hurricanes’ all-time leader in receptions and receiving yards while ranking fourth in receiving touchdowns.
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