Tennessee Titans wide receiver Kyle Philips took a significant step toward making his return from injured reserve on Monday.
The team announced it has designated Philips to return from injured reserve, which gives him a chance to return as soon as Week 5. However, he still has to be activated and won’t count against the 53-man roster until that happens.
In addition to that move, the Titans waived wide receiver Mason Kinsey — which could be a sign that Philips is indeed ready to return to game action this week — and interior offensive lineman Xavier Newman. Right tackle Nicholas Petit-Frere will take one of those two roster spots.
Kinsey was handling punt return duties after the injury to fellow wideout and returner Kearis Jackson, who was replacing Philips in that role. Kinsey was fairly effective, averaging 12.5 yards per return.
Newman actually started at left guard in Week 2 in place of an injured Peter Skoronski but lasted just one quarter before being replaced by Dillon Radunz, who has held down the job since.
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