The Tennessee Titans were the latest team to fall victim to the Carolina Panthers' undefeated season. However, the Titans suffered more than just a loss in the Week 10 as injuries and offensive mistakes because more of a headline than the team wanted them to be. With Marcus Mariota and the run game hitting lows this season, the Titans officially lost one of their top receivers for the remainder of the season.
According to NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport, the Titans have lost Justin Hunter for the remainder of the season after the wide receiver suffered a fractured ankle in Week 10. The receiver was already in hot water with the franchise heading into the season as he has yet to play a full 16-game season and this injury is not going to help him in the future. Hunter was fourth on the receiving list for the Titans with 264 yards and a touchdown on the year. While his numbers were small, losing Hunter is losing a solid offensive weapon for Mariota to work with.
If the Titans need to replace Hunter's roster spot, there is a familiar face sitting on the free agent market. Hakeem Nicks has not been picked up since getting released from the team in the preseason. The wide receiver would be the ideal replacement considering he has knowledge of the offense while also having some chemistry built up with Mariota. Reggie Wayne and Terrelle Pryor are also available for the picking, but the Nicks is the player that makes the most sense.
For now, the Titans will replace him internally. Kendall Wright and Harry Douglas will step up while Tennessee needs more improvement Dorial Green-Beckham. The rookie receiver has certainly had his ups and downs this year and the game against Carolina was certainly a low point. The receiver failed to finish a route which cause the Panthers to get an interception in the third quarter. In the end, the rookie was held without a target and a catch and the coaching staff needs him to step up big time.
"DGB should have been running out a route full speed and was not and the DB was and again, the difference between winning and losing," interim coach Mike Mularkey said, via ESPN.com.
With the passing game struggling, the Titans need their running backs to step up and help out. The trio of Antonio Andrews, Dexter McCluster and Bishop Sankey combined for just 40 yards on Sunday. The Panthers' defense kept the rushers in check for one of their worst games of the season. Tennessee is preparing to play on a short week as they face the Jacksonville Jaguars on Thursday night. The team has plenty of work to do before Week 11.
