For the first time this season, the Tennessee Titans decided to protect 2021 fourth-round pick and wide receiver Dez Fitzpatrick on the practice squad, something we speculated could mean he’s moving the right direction.
It appears we were right. On Wednesday before practice, head coach Mike Vrabel basically confirmed Fitzpatrick is making strides.
He noted that not only has he been practicing well, the rookie also won Scout Team Player of the Week honors on both offense and special teams ahead of the Week 8 game against the Indianapolis Colts, something he says is unique.
This is great news after the sky was falling for Fitzpatrick before the start of the season. After struggling in camp and during the preseason, he didn’t make the 53-man roster and ended up on the practice squad.
Titans coach Mike Vrabel said Dez Fitzpatrick has built up some "momentum" on practice squad. Had a particularly strong week of practice ahead of the Colts game a few weeks ago, Vrabel said, earning scout team player of the week on offense and special teams
— Ben Arthur (@benyarthur) November 10, 2021
Mike Vrabel says Dez Fitzpatrick was show team player if the week on offense and specials teams. Called it a 2 for 1 spec. Said it's unique. #Titans
— TURRON DAVENPORT (@TDavenport_NFL) November 10, 2021
And, up until this point, he hadn’t been elevated or even protected ahead of any game this season. Also, when the Titans needed a practice squad wide receiver a few weeks back, Mason Kinsey got the nod over Fitzpatrick.
Fitzpatrick’s emergence comes at a great time, as the Titans released fellow wideout Josh Reynolds on Tuesday. It appears the Louisville product could be the next man up if Tennessee ends up needing help at the position down the road.