Titans add another rookie to starting lineup
For weeks, the Titans have worked to get rookie quarterback Marcus Mariota ready to start the season opener at Tampa Bay on Sept. 13.
On Friday, coach Ken Whisenhunt confirmed that Mariota will not be the only rookie starter on offense.
Jeremiah Poutasi, a third-round pick from Utah, is scheduled to start at right tackle against the Buccaneers. By giving Poutasi the start, Whisenhunt is sticking with the fivesome that worked together for the last three weeks of the preseason.
Asked at a news conference Friday if he and his offensive coaching staff have settled on that unit, Whisenhunt said: “Pretty much. It’s set.”
Poutasi’s elevation to the No. 1 offensive line is the result of the demotion of veteran guard Andy Levitre, who lost his place in the lineup after the preseason opener and was traded to the Falcons on Friday.
After Levitre struggled in that game, which was against the Falcons, the Titans made some changes up front. Byron Bell, a free-agent acquisition who originally was signed with the idea he would play right tackle, was shifted into Levitre’s old spot at left guard.
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The Titans first tried journeyman Jamon Meredith at right tackle before inserting Poutasi into the position. Poutasi started the final three preseason games at right tackle.
The expected offensive line starters against the Buccaneers: Taylor Lewan at left tackle, Poutasi at right tackle, Chance Warmack at right guard, Bell at left guard, and Brian Schwenke at center.
Poutasi has experienced growing pains. According to Pro Football Focus, which analyzes every player and every play, Poutasi gave up one quarterback hit and three quarterback hurries in the preseason.
“The adjustment’s going to be big for him,” Whisenhunt said. “He’s gotten better over the three games he’s played.”
Whisenhunt indicated the coaching staff has been pleased with Bell’s play at guard.
Final cuts: By trading Levitre and waiving nine players, the Titans trimmed their roster to 65 but still must make 12 more cuts before the NFL deadline of 3 p.m. Saturday.
Among those whose status is unclear are defensive lineman Mike Martin, a third-round pick in 2012, and offensive lineman Byron Stingily, a sixth-round pick in 2011 who started five games last season.
Among the toughest calls facing the personnel office and coaching staff is the tight end position. Veterans Delanie Walker, Anthony Fasano and Craig Stevens are safe, but if the Titans keep a fourth tight end, either Chase Coffman or Phillip Supernaw will be cut.
"We've got 12 cuts to make," Whisenhunt said. "... It's tough. Other than losing a game, this is the toughest part of the job."
Defensive back Khalid Wooten, a sixth-round pick in 2013, was among those cut Friday.
Reach David Climer at 615-259-8020 and on Twitter @DavidClimer.
TITANS WAIVE NINE
After waiving nine players and trading guard Andy Levitre on Friday, the Titans have 65 players. The roster must be trimmed to 53 by 3 p.m. Saturday. Players waived Friday:
- FB Zach Boren
- CB Ri’Shard Anderson
- C Gabe Ikard
- DB Khalid Wooten
- DB Jemea Thomas
- DL Isaako Aaitui
- WR Josh Stewart
- LB Andy Studebaker
- LB Kaelin Burnett
