5 observations from Titans’ training camp
Five observations from the Titans’ fifth day of training camp:
Mariota throwing with some zip
Fourth-year Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota has put together a fine first five days of training camp ahead of arguably the most important season of his career. He’s throwing with some serious zip this offseason, something I can personally attest to: Midway through practice, an errant Mariota throw connected directly with my right leg. I was screened by a bunch of players in front of me on the sideline and never saw it coming in. Didn’t flinch. There’s some bloodied marks where the laces hit, which is kind of cool.
Corey Davis back at practice
Fear not, Titans fans: Corey Davis is fine.
Davis, the No. 5 overall pick in the 2017 NFL draft, was back out at practice Monday, a day after Titans coach Mike Vrabel gave him a scheduled day off. The wide receiver had looked sharp during the first three practices of training camp.
“He looked fresh and ready to go (Monday),” Vrabel said, “and if we see fit that he deserves and has earned another day off and we feel like that’s best for the team, then we’ll give him another day off.”
Cornerback Rico Gafford, who signed with the Titans as an undrafted free agent in May, had the hit of the day during open-field 1-on-1s. He delivered a vicious tackle on wide receiver Cameron Batson, the result of which was audible and fired up the defense.
Jonnu Smith not practicing
Tight end Jonnu Smith did not practice Monday, a day after leaving practice early Sunday. Tight end Anthony Firkser, who Titans coach Mike Vrabel gave an unsolicited shoutout to at Sunday’s press conference, took advantage. Working with the first team, he made a pair of nice plays while on the receiving end of play-action rollouts by Mariota.
Evans, Orakpo not active again
Rookie linebacker Rashaan Evans and veteran OLB Brian Orakpo did not participate in practice again Monday. Vrabel, who has not elaborated much on the extent of either ailment, said Orakpo should be back in a week, and Evans is still being evaluated.
Wide receiver Rishard Matthews also did not practice and has yet to do so this training camp.
He was announced as being on the physically unable to perform list Monday.
Tight end Luke Stocker, center Nico Falah, defensive lineman Claude Pelon and defensive end Connor Flagel also did not participate Monday.