The Tennessee Titans Get Questions & Answers with Expected Returns of Kyle Philips and Nicholas Petit-Frere

The Tennessee Titans should see two second-year players return to the team this week in wide receiver Kyle Philips and offense tackle Nicholas Petit-Frere, which provides them some answers, but also some questions.

The Tennessee Titans moved to 2-2 on the season after a commanding win over the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 4 and with that win comes renewed optimism for what the 2023 season can bring. The excitement is now only heightened by the return of two sophomores.

Starting slot receiver Kyle Philips and starting right tackle Nicholas Petit-Frere are set to re-join the team this week. Philips returning from a preseason knee injury that had him start the season on injured reserve and Petit-Frere being reinstated from a gambling suspension two weeks early due to NFL rules changes.

While it is never a bad thing to get back quality players, the return of these two does create some questions along with the answers.

Questions

Will Petit-Frere take back his starting job immediately?

Petit-Frere started 16 games at right tackle as a rookie in 2022, but veteran Chris Hubbard, who has been holding the right tackle spot for the first four weeks, has been playing well. Hubbard is 32 years old though, so if things are equal, it makes sense to play the younger player.

Petit-Frere had ups and downs in his rookie year though and the Titans have a good thing going on the right side of the offensive line currently with Hubbard and Daniel Brunskill. Petit-Frere's play in 2022 may not warranted his instant return. 

Will Kyle Philips continue to return punts?

Philips was drafted in the fifth round of the 2022 NFL draft and part of the reason he was drafted at all is because of his ability to add value on special teams as a returner. Late round picks, especially a guy like Philips, have to play special teams in the NFL most of the time to stick around.

Philips will typically only play in the Titans' run-first offense on third downs, limiting his versatility and value without the special teams contributions. The problem is, Philips cannot stay healthy and was injured in the preseason on a punt return.

Will the Titans let Philips focus on receiver and pass punt return duties to someone else? The Titans may have given us an answer when they waived receiver and returner Mason Kinsey on Monday. In theory, to make room for Philips returning from injured reserve.

Answers

The Titans offensive line depth and talent pool is better.

Regardless of whether Petit-Frere jumps back in the starting five right away or not, the Titans now have more depth and more answers. If left tackle Andre Dillard continues to struggle, the Titans could try Petit-Frere there as Petit-Frere did play on the left side some in college. 

The Titans also can plug Petit-Frere in at guard if they suffer injuries. Center Aaron Brewer has had his struggles due to being undersized, if it becomes too much, the Titans could consider shifting Brunskill over to center and plugging in Petit-Frere at right guard.

The Titans are hopeful to get rookie Peter Skoronski back to practice this week as well, further bolstering the options. 

The Titans got needed help at the receiver position.

The vibes may be high after the win over the Bengals, but let's not assume this offense is a juggernaut just yet. The truth is, this team still lacks the talent you would want at wide receiver and will struggle against teams with a good secondary. 

Teams still love to play tight man coverage and challenge the Titans at the line of scrimmage on passing downs. Someone who can help with that is Philips. If Philips can stay healthy, his short-area quickness allows him to win in man situations.

His route running should give him the chance to get open quick and consequently, allow Tannehill to get rid of the ball quicker. More first downs, more completions and less sacks, sounds like a great answer for the Titans.

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