The Tennessee Titans made both an addition and subtraction from their team last week with the signing of wide receiver Josh Gordon to the practice squad and the placement of outside linebacker Harold Landry on IR.
Of course, the bigger move was Landry to IR, as he’s now out for the season with a torn ACL, subtracting the team’s 2021 sacks leader and a vital piece overall from a defense that is expected to be elite.
When asked about Landry’s injury on Monday, head coach Mike Vrabel expressed his sadness for the Boston College product, but also noted how the team has to move forward.
“It’s unfortunate, it’s disappointing, I feel terrible, obviously for Harold and the work that he has put in and his value to our football team, but we have to move on and get everybody ready to go win,” Vrabel said, per John Glennon of Sports Illustrated.
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The “next man up” mentality is all-too-familiar for Vrabel and Co. after the team fielded an NFL record 91 players due to injuries in 2021. If there’s any team that can get through this, it’s the Vrabel-led Titans.
Another sore spot for the Titans going into 2022 is at the wide receiver position.
On top of the question marks with the group overall, the Titans are also short at the position after carrying just five receivers, one of whom, Racey McMath, has since been placed on IR.
The Titans brought Gordon in with the hope that he can help, although judging from his recent stint with the Kansas City Chiefs, expectations should be low.
For now, the Titans are taking it day-by-day with Gordon, who spent the past few days working with wide receivers coach Rob Moore while the Titans were off.
“Those are things that are out of our control,” Vrabel said of Gordon’s past off-the-field issues, per Paul Kuharsky. “I think we’ll look at how he handles each day, and if he is maybe would anticipate him being available to us. But I wouldn’t look at anything in the past. We’re excited to work with him and see how he develops in our offense.”
#Titans WR coach Rob Moore worked with Josh Gordon over the time the team wasn't practicing per Mike Vrabel. Vrabel said Gordon is really excited to be with the team.
— TURRON DAVENPORT (@TDavenport_NFL) September 5, 2022
As far as what stands out to Vrabel about Gordon’s game, he said, “I think he’s big… He’s got a great catch radius, shown athleticism.”
Gordon has a good chance to crack the Titans’ roster. At the very least, he should be able to pass Tennessee’s No. 5 receiver, Cody Hollister.
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