How the treylon Burks injury impacts the Titans WR Room

During joint practice vs the Minnesota Vikings yesterday, WR Treylon Burks suffered a lower leg injury. This caused many Titans’ fans to have panic attacks as many feared Burks had suffered a very serious injury that could cause him to miss months. Luckily, Burks’ injury is not too serious, as he will only miss a couple of weeks with an LCL Sprain. He should be back by the first couple of games of the season, but that isn’t a guarantee just yet. This injury has a major impact on the Titans’ WR room and its outlook…

Expect Deandre Hopkins to be doubled almost every single play for the rest of joint practices and preseason if he plays. With Burks missing time, the Titans need one of their other receivers to step up and make plays consistently. Kyle Philips could assume that second WR spot, but I like him way more in the slot than on the outside. NWI was the Titans’ WR2 last season, so the coaching staff may trust him to take over that role for a couple of weeks. Chris Moore is also a candidate for the job, an experienced WR who played decent for Houston last season. Colton Dowell has been inconsistent all camp, and his value mostly lies on special teams. Ten doesn’t have great WR depth, so a big injury like this just hurts…

Let’s hope that Burks is able to come back by Weeks 2 or 3, but if he isn’t able to, one of those guys listed above has to step up. Hopkins will be seeing a ton of double teams, so the rest of the receivers should have plenty of one on one opportunities. Expect Kyle Philips to make a lot of plays against single coverage in the rest of joint practice down in Minneapolis, and expect to see a lot more of NWI and Chris Moore. There is a decent chance that Burks misses at least weeks 1 and 2, so the Titans will have to find a way to generate a serviceable passing game while he’s gone. The Titans dodged a bullet, but the next month or so will be challenging for the hopeful AFC South Champions….