Robert Saleh doesn’t like to treat the practice squad like a holding area. In his view, Tennessee’s group is the “Next 16,” and that mindset puts a spotlight on which players could get the call first.
Right now, four familiar names stand out as the most likely candidates to move up from the Titans’ practice squad to the active roster.
At the front of the line is Restrepo, the fan-favorite receiver who led Tennessee’s pass-catching group in the preseason. He initially survived the roster cut last Sunday, only to be waived later when the Titans loaded up on defense.
His 71-yard showing in the preseason finale against the Chicago Bears went a long way in building his case, and the only real obstacle in front of him is a crowded wide receiver room. If that group stumbles at all, Restrepo looks ready to be next in line.
Diabate is another player worth watching closely. Tennessee effectively made room for him by waiving him for fellow linebacker Owen Pappoe, then bringing him back on the practice squad.
After three semi-productive seasons with the Cleveland Browns, Diabate put together a strong camp and preseason in Nashville that made him look like a real fringe roster candidate. His best moment came against the Seattle Seahawks, when he posted four tackles and half a sack.
For now he’s back on the outside, but he sits at the top of the linebacker depth chart when it comes to a possible promotion.
Hallett was also part of the Titans’ late shuffle. He picked off a pass during the team’s final joint practice with the Bears and had made the 53-man roster before being released in favor of Melvin Smith Jr. and Terrell Burgess on waivers.
Even so, the former Detroit Lion remains in the mix because Tennessee’s secondary is one of the most unsettled parts of the roster. During camp, Hallett worked as the backup nickel corner behind Marcus Harris, and the Titans have already shown a willingness to keep him in the conversation.
Reed is in a nearly identical spot to Hallett. Now in his fourth NFL season and second in Nashville, he’s back on the practice squad after the Titans went with waiver additions in the defensive backfield.
Reed’s preseason didn’t jump off the page - he finished with one pass defended and a near-interception that would have helped him plenty - but his experience matters. That’s especially true with Melvin Smith Jr. in just his second year and dealing with a rib injury.
With so much uncertainty in the secondary, Reed has a real chance to make his move early. The opportunity is there, and Week 1 could be where he starts pressing his case.
In Other News...
Will Levis' NFL Return Chance Emerges After Messy Titans Exit
Will Levis is already on the move after his release from Tennessee, landing a workout with the Jets as they sort through their quarterback depth. New York is weighing additions to the practice squad, and head coach Aaron Glenn said the team is looking at options that include veteran quarterbacks, a sign the door is at least cracked open for Levis to find a quick landing spot.
The visit also puts Levis back in a familiar competition, this time alongside Jack Plummer for backup duty behind Cade Klubnik, who was named the Jets backup quarterback. For a player whose Titans exit ended messy, the next chapter could come quickly, but the path back into an NFL building still depends on whether New York decides he fits what it needs right now. [Read more 🡒]
Titans Just Turned A Cam Ward Critic Into A Bigger Debate
The Titans have found themselves in the middle of an unnecessary side story around Cam Ward, and it has quickly become bigger than one preseason comment. Jared Stillman, who publicly said Ward's exhibition performance was "not well" during a press conference exchange, had his media credentials revoked by the team, creating an immediate buzz around how the organization is handling outside criticism of its rookie quarterback.
For Tennessee, the timing matters because every note about Ward now gets filtered through both football and optics. The team has not offered an official explanation for the credential decision, leaving the move to speak for itself and inviting a broader debate about where fair criticism ends and access starts. [Read more 🡒]
Titans Have 4 Young Names Who Could Force Bigger Roles
The Titans have settled on their 53-man roster and practice squad for the 2026 season, and the next question is how quickly some of the younger pieces can push their way into bigger jobs. With Robert Saleh overseeing an overhauled defense and the offense leaning on a mix of rookies and sophomores, there is a clear path for development to turn into opportunity if the right players take advantage of it.
Among the names worth watching are wide receiver Elic Ayomanor, defensive end Jacob Martin, tight end Gunnar Helm and running back Tyjae Spears. Each brings a different kind of upside, and each sits in a spot where a strong start could alter his standing before long, especially on a roster still sorting out how much production it can squeeze from its younger talent. [Read more 🡒]