Calvin Ridley's Absence Forces Changes in the Tennessee Titans Lineup

The Tennessee Titans’ offseason plans collapsed with Calvin Ridley’s season-ending knee injury, shifting focus to overhauling their wide receiver lineup. Signed to revitalize the passing game and pair with DeAndre Hopkins, Ridley’s absence leaves a gap the Titans must fill fast to avoid repeating last year’s 6-11 offensive struggles. Calvin Ridley's Absence Forces Changes in the Tennessee Titans Lineup breaks down the urgent lineup shifts, key players stepping up, and challenges of rebuilding a functional receiving corps.

Calvin Ridley's Absence Forces Changes in the Tennessee Titans Lineup starts with wide receiver adjustments: DeAndre Hopkins moves from No. 2 to primary target. The 33-year-old Pro Bowler has 11,000+ career yards but is coming off a slight production decline, raising durability concerns. Behind him, 2023 first-round pick Treylon Burks gets an expanded role—his speed and 6-foot-2 frame fit Ridley’s deep-route reps, though he struggled with consistency and injuries last year. “Treylon’s putting in extra work with quarterbacks—we’re seeing progress,” said interim OC Todd Downing. Journeyman Nick Westbrook-Ikhine (career-high 38 catches in 2022) rounds out the top three, but he’s a complementary piece, not a starter.

Calvin Ridley's Absence Forces Changes in the Tennessee Titans Lineup looks at ripple effects across the offense. Tight ends take on bigger roles: 2022 fourth-round pick Chigoziem Okonkwo (45 catches, 542 yards last season) gets more slot and red-zone snaps. The Titans also signed free-agent Austin Hooper, a two-time Pro Bowler, for blocking and short-pass reliability. At running back, Derrick Henry expands beyond carrying—coaches are refining his pass-catching for screens and check-downs. “Whatever the team needs to win, I’ll do it,” Henry said. These shifts lean into short, quick passes instead of the deep shots Ridley was hired for.

Calvin Ridley's Absence Forces Changes in the Tennessee Titans Lineup delves into the quarterback competition. Will Levis (2023 second-round pick, 58.4% completion rate last season) and Malik Willis (2022 third-round pick, 51.2% rate) now need precision and leadership to lift young receivers. Levis is ahead—he’s hosting extra film sessions with Burks and Okonkwo. “Will’s stepping up as a leader,” said interim head coach Matt Nagy. For the Tennessee Titans, this competition is make-or-break: a struggling QB could sink the offense, which ranked 26th in passing yards last year.

Calvin Ridley's Absence Forces Changes in the Tennessee Titans Lineup explores external depth moves. The Titans are eyeing free-agent Corey Davis, a former first-round pick (2017) who knows the organization—he missed eight games with a knee injury last season but offers stability. They’re also targeting late-round draft picks: Memphis’ Antonio Gibson (converted RB with big-play ability) and UCLA’s Jake Bobo (possession receiver) add speed. Signing Davis costs $5-7 million (one year); a rookie needs time to develop. For the Tennessee Titans, the goal is balance: immediate veteran help plus long-term draft building for Ridley’s 2026 return.

Calvin Ridley's Absence Forces Changes in the Tennessee Titans Lineup wraps up long-term stakes. Short-term, the revamped lineup faces tough matchups (Ravens, Chiefs, Jaguars). If Burks and Okonkwo struggle, the Titans could miss the playoffs again. But success—Burks emerging, consistent QB play—keeps wild-card hopes alive, especially with star DE Jeffery Simmons leading the defense. Long-term, proven contributors free up cap space to extend Simmons and Henry; failure could force a rebuild. As training camp nears, all eyes are on the lineup. For the Tennessee Titans and fans, this setback is a chance to build resilience—or face another losing season.