NASHVILLE – The Titans are set to face the Vikings in their preseason finale at Nissan Stadium on Friday night. Here’s what to watch for during the game:
Quarterback Focus
Cam Ward has just one more opportunity to showcase his skills before the regular season kicks off in Denver. So far, he has only played five series in the preseason, throwing 15 passes. “Practice makes perfect,” and Ward’s performance during joint workouts in Tampa and Atlanta might be more telling than his game snaps. It’s likely he won’t play much against the Vikings either, but a strong showing would be a nice send-off into the season.
Running Back Shuffle
With Tyjae Spears out, the running duties will likely fall to Julius Chestnut, Kalel Mullings, Jordan Mims, and Jermar Jefferson. Chestnut has been dependable and will want to make a strong impression since the Vikings aren’t expected to field their starters.
Offensive Line Updates
Center Lloyd Cushenberry is showing improvement, boosting hopes for his participation in Week One. Meanwhile, right tackle JC Latham missed practices but is expected to be okay. It’s unclear if either will play against the Vikings, while veteran guard Kevin Zeitler is also sitting out. This opens up more opportunities for players like Corey Levin.
Receiver Outlook
Calvin Ridley, having missed practices, is not expected to play Friday. That means rookies Elic Ayomanor and Chimere Dike will likely get more game time, helping them acclimate to the NFL. Others vying for final roster spots will also have a crucial chance to shine.
Defensive Readiness
Defensive lineman Jeffery Simmons has expressed interest in playing the preseason finale. While he hasn’t made an appearance in the preseason yet, getting some playing time could help him feel game-ready. T’Vondre Sweat’s recent absence means fans are eager to see both players in action together.
Roster Decisions Looming
After the game, the Titans will start making tough roster cuts. By Tuesday, all teams must finalize their rosters to 53 players. With the Titans holding the top spot on the waiver wire, expect some intense competition on the field. Linebacker Cedric Gray, among others, aims to solidify his position, knowing that any strong performance tonight could influence his fate.
In essence, while excitement builds for the regular season, this final preseason matchup carries significant weight for many players. Whether it’s securing a starting role or catching the eye of competing teams, there’s plenty at stake.
For a detailed breakdown of NFL preseason strategies, you can check this NFL report for recent insights and trends.
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News: 6 Things to Watch,Team/Football News,homepage-centerpiece,Minnesota Vikings at Tennessee Titans (2025-PRE-3)
