The Tennessee Titans made one of those roster moves that looks routine until you line it up against the injury report. Ahead of their Week 3 matchup with the New York Giants tomorrow, Tennessee signed CB Erick Hallett II to the active roster, giving him a more permanent spot after using him as a game day elevation for the first two weeks.
On paper, it’s a sensible call. Hallett has been around the Titans’ practice squad since they picked him up late last year, and he turned in a solid camp over the summer before settling back into reserve duty. In his limited action through two games, he’s been credited with one tackle, and PFF has given him a 68.6 grade.
The timing, though, is what makes this interesting. Hallett’s move came just one day after starting CB Cord’Dale Flott was listed as questionable for Sunday’s road game. Tennessee’s secondary looked noticeably lighter last week when Flott wasn’t in his usual starting role, and that’s where the concern starts to creep in.
This is not the same thing as a simple elevation. RB Michael Carter was elevated to the active roster for Sunday, likely to give the Titans another option behind Tony Pollard and Nick Singleton if Tyjae Spears - also questionable - can’t go. Hallett, by contrast, had already been elevated the previous two weeks before getting the full promotion.
The bigger issue is what Tennessee looked like without Flott last week. He hasn’t exactly played at an elite level, but his absence forced CB Alontae Taylor to hold down the fort as the lone remaining starter at the position. Eagles WR DeVonta Smith took advantage, catching 10 passes and scoring a touchdown.
That’s elite receiver work, no question. Even so, Flott’s value showed up in the numbers: Tennessee allowed nearly 50 more passing yards and two additional touchdowns through the air without him.
Could Hallett’s signing simply be a depth move? Absolutely.
Flott could still be ready to go tomorrow. But after he suddenly missed last week and was limited in practice again this week, it’s tough to ignore the possibility that the Titans are preparing for him to sit.
If that happens, Tennessee will need a better night from Taylor and solid support from Hallett and Micah Robinson. Having Jameis Winston at quarterback for New York helps a little. Still, Titans fans know better than most that there’s no reason to get too comfortable expecting the best.
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