Mike Vrabel revealed today that the Titans are activating rookie tackle Isaiah Wilson off the reserve/COVID list. They will not need to waive a player to make room for Wilson on the 53-man roster since they were well under the roster limit due to the recent COVID outbreak.
This is the second time Wilson has returned from the COVID list. His first stint, which started when the team initially reported to training camp on July 28th, was a short stay as he returned to work with his teammates again just six days later on August 3rd.
The first-round pick’s second visit to the reserve/COVID list started on September 6th, just eight days before the Titans season opener in Denver. Since that time, of course, Wilson also got arrested for suspicion of DUI.
There is no way around it… Wilson’s first impression in Tennessee has been about as bad as it could be. Not only is he struggling off the field, but he was reportedly struggling on it as well. Conditioning and technique have both been cited as needing improvement by those who were able to watch him during training camp.
It’s hard for those issues to get cleaned up when you’re not allowed in the facility or able to practice with your teammates, so it’s good for the Titans to get Wilson back in the building, even if he’s not likely to wrestle the starting right tackle spot away from Dennis Kelly anytime soon. Just getting the practice reps and time in the offensive meeting rooms will be valuable to Wilson’s development.
It also would likely be good to just get Wilson back within the structure of the team setting. As our own James Esparza hit on back when the arrest was first reported, Wilson could probably use some guidance and structure right now from his coaches and teammates.
Wilson’s court date recently got moved back to February 1st, 2021, so it is very unlikely that he sees any discipline from the NFL during the 2020 season.
The league likes to wait until the judicial process runs its course before handing out punishment in cases like this. Unfortunately for the Titans, that could mean their 2020 1st round pick missing the first three games of his second season.
For now though, it’s back to work for Wilson and the shorthanded Titans need all the help they can get.
I wonder if there could be a 3 tackle package in the works that lets Kelly double-down with Wilson underneath him and Saffold pulling to kick the end man while Pruitt gets up inside to lead for Henry.
Granted, Pruitt wouldn’t be a part of that this week. Nor Blasingame. Maybe Jonnu if it comes this week!
I suppose it’s fairly unlikely that Wilson plays this week. But then again, if Vrabel’s looking for a few special wrinkles to throw at Buffalo in a game with our backs against the wall.
Remember that Houston game we won with Blaine Gabbert at QB!?! …thanks in part to the Byard-Cruikshank connection!!