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Tennessee Titans wide receiver Kyle Philips saw an up-and-down start to his career in 2022 before ultimately seeing his rookie campaign cut short due to injury.
The UCLA product made an instant impact as a receiver and returns in Week 1. Philips caught six balls for 66 yards in Week 1, while adding 15.5 yards per punt return over four attempts.
However, Philips was also marred by a pair of muffed punts over the first two games. He would go on to play in two more contests the rest of the season but recorded just one catch for seven yards in those games.
Looking ahead to 2023, Philips, who was impressive as a punt returner when he actually brought them in, is getting another crack at it, according to special teams coordinator Craig Aukerman.
Aukerman: Philips and Spears are two in the mix for PR.
— John Glennon (@glennonsports) May 23, 2023
“I’ve moved on from it,” Philips said of the fumbles, per John Glennon of Nashville Post. “I’m confident in my ability at catching punts. Whatever they ask me to do out here, I’m going to do and be confident doing it.”
While Philips’ 2022 injury was of the soft-tissue variety and not because of his size, there has been no shortage of debate about whether or not his 191-pound frame can withstand the punishment of what comes with operating inside.
And that’s something that was clearly at least somewhat on Philips’ mind, as he revealed he’s been bulking up and adding “armor” during the offseason, but he’s doing so steadily in order to make sure he doesn’t see a drop-off.
“Just add a little bit of armor,” Philips said. “Obviously everyone in the NFL is a little bigger, faster, stronger, so it helps with my playing style as well.
“I’m going to try to keep it going, but just keep it a steady process. I want to put some good weight on, but I don’t want to lose my quickness and speed.”
After failing to adequately address the wide receiver position this offseason, the Titans will heavily depend on the UCLA product, who could be as high as the No. 3 option behind Treylon Burks and Chig Okonkwo.