Ridley's Absence Creates Opportunities in the Tennessee Titans

In the NFL, injuries are often viewed as setbacks—but for the Tennessee Titans, Calvin Ridley’s season-ending absence has unexpectedly become a catalyst for growth. What could have been a crippling loss for the offense has instead opened doors for players who had previously been stuck on the sidelines, coaches eager to test new strategies, and even the front office to evaluate hidden talent. Ridley, the Titans’ top receiver, left a void in production and leadership, but that void has created space for others to shine—turning a moment of adversity into a chance to build a deeper, more resilient team. Ridley's Absence Creates Opportunities in the Tennessee Titans explores how this unexpected opportunity has impacted different parts of the franchise, from backup receivers earning starting roles to young players proving they belong in the NFL.

Ridley's Absence Creates Opportunities in the Tennessee Titans begins with the rise of backup wide receivers— players who have gone from rotational contributors to key playmakers. Nick Westbrook-Ikhine, a four-year veteran who had never recorded more than 30 catches in a season, has emerged as the Titans’ new No. 1 receiver. In the six games since Ridley’s injury, Westbrook-Ikhine has hauled in 32 catches for 412 yards and three touchdowns, including a game-winning 25-yard reception against the Jacksonville Jaguars. “I’ve been waiting for this chance to show what I can do,” Westbrook-Ikhine said after the game. “When Calvin went down, I knew I had to step up—not just for myself, but for the team. This opportunity has been a dream come true.” Rookie Treylon Burks, who struggled with injuries and inconsistency earlier in the season, has also found his stride, using increased snaps to refine his route-running and build chemistry with quarterback Ryan Tannehill. Burks has recorded 18 catches for 220 yards in the same stretch, proving he can be a reliable deep threat. For the Titans, these receivers’ growth means the offense no longer has to rely on a single star—creating a more balanced, harder-to-defend attack.

A second key opportunity is the expanded role of tight ends— turning a position once focused on blocking into a focal point of the passing game. Chigoziem Okonkwo, a second-year tight end, has gone from a complementary piece to one of Tannehill’s most trusted targets. Since Ridley’s injury, Okonkwo has averaged 5.5 catches per game, up from 2.8 before, and has scored four touchdowns—more than he did in his entire rookie season. His ability to line up in the slot, outrun linebackers, and catch contested passes has made him a versatile weapon, forcing defenses to adjust their coverage. “Okonkwo was always a talented player, but he never had the chance to play this much,” Titans offensive coordinator Tim Kelly said. “Ridley’s absence forced us to get him more involved, and he’s exceeded every expectation. He’s become the kind of tight end that can change a game.” Fellow tight end Josh Whyle, a rookie, has also benefited, earning more snaps as a blocker and receiver. Whyle’s development has not only strengthened the offense but also given the Titans a young tight end duo they can build around for years to come.

Ridley's Absence Creates Opportunities in the Tennessee Titans also includes the chance for the coaching staff to innovate— testing new schemes that have made the Tennessee Titans’ offense more dynamic. With Ridley gone, Kelly and head coach Mike Vrabel were forced to abandon their reliance on deep passes and motion packages built around Ridley’s speed. Instead, they’ve embraced a more creative approach: incorporating trick plays, using multiple running backs in the passing game, and designing short-pass concepts that emphasize yards after the catch. One of these innovations—the “Wildcat TE” package, where Okonkwo lines up as a pseudo-quarterback—has become a fan favorite, producing two touchdowns and a handful of big gains. “Injuries force you to think outside the box,” Kelly said. “We couldn’t just run the same plays without Calvin, so we had to get creative. What started as a necessity has become a strength—our offense is now more unpredictable than ever.” For the Tennessee Titans, this coaching innovation isn’t just a short-term fix; it’s a long-term benefit. The new schemes have given the team a more diverse playbook, making them better prepared to handle future injuries or roster changes.

Another opportunity created by Ridley’s absence is the chance for young offensive linemen to prove their worth— strengthening the Tennessee Titans’ front line for the future. With the offense shifting to a more run-heavy and short-pass-focused attack, the offensive line has faced increased pressure to block for longer durations and create holes for running back Derrick Henry. Rookie tackle Jaelyn Duncan, who had been a healthy scratch for most of the season, was called up to start in Week 12—and he delivered, allowing zero sacks and helping Henry rush for 130 yards. “Duncan had been working hard in practice, but he just needed a chance,” offensive line coach Keith Carter said. “When we needed him, he stepped up and showed he can compete at this level. That’s the kind of depth we need to build.” Veteran guard Daniel Brunskill has also thrived in a more prominent role, using increased snaps to refine his technique and become a more consistent blocker. For the Tennessee Titans, the growth of these linemen means the team has a stronger, more experienced front line—critical for protecting Tannehill and keeping Henry’s rushing attack alive.

Finally, Ridley's Absence Creates Opportunities in the Tennessee Titans wraps up with the front office’s chance to evaluate talent— gaining valuable insights for future roster building with the Tennessee Titans. With backups and rookies getting more playing time, general manager Ran Carthon and his staff have been able to assess which players deserve contract extensions, which need to be replaced, and where the team should focus its draft picks. For example, Westbrook-Ikhine’s breakout season has made him a candidate for a long-term deal, while Burks’ improvement has validated the Titans’ decision to draft him in the first round. “Injuries give you a real look at what your roster is made of,” Carthon said. “You learn who can handle pressure, who can grow with more playing time, and who might not be the right fit long-term. That information is gold when you’re building a team for the future.” For the Tennessee Titans, this evaluation period means they can enter the offseason with a clearer vision—avoiding costly mistakes and investing in players who have already proven they can contribute. Ridley's Absence Creates Opportunities in the Tennessee Titans ultimately shows that while injuries are never ideal, they can be blessings in disguise. For the Titans, this opportunity has not only helped them navigate a tough season but also built a stronger, more resilient team that’s better prepared for success in the years to come.