Tennessee Titans face uncertainty for the 2025 season as OC Brian Callahan raises concerns over a $76M star's and Treylon Burks' health. Will Cam Ward have support?
StatPro NFL Beat Reporter
The summer lull before training camp is supposed to be a time of optimism, but a cloud of uncertainty hangs over Nashville. As the Titans prepare for a pivotal 2025 season, a public warning from offensive coordinator Brian Callahan regarding the health of a newly acquired $76 million star has sent ripples of concern through the fanbase. With the team's fortunes now tied to rookie QB Cam Ward, the health of his supporting cast is more critical than ever, and question marks don't stop with the big-money acquisition.
Analyst Brett Alper predicts [Cam] Ward could throw for 4,000 yards and contend for NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year.
The biggest story heading into camp is the one the front office wants to quell the fastest. OC Brian Callahan didn't mince words, raising the alarm about the recovery of a cornerstone player the team shelled out $76 million for this offseason. Callahan stressed the need for the player to be at full strength, a non-negotiable for a team trying to rebound from a 3-14 record. Compounding the issue is the lingering knee injury of former first-round pick Treylon Burks. Coach Callahan admitted Burks is not 100%, fueling speculation that his roster spot is in jeopardy. Whether he lands on the PUP list, IR, or is an outright cut candidate, Burks' situation adds another layer of instability to an offense desperate for reliable weapons for its new quarterback.
Despite the injury concerns, the primary source of hope in Music City is No. 1 overall pick Cam Ward. The rookie quarterback has already been handed the keys to the franchise and is embraced as QB1 by teammates and coaches alike. The expectations are sky-high, with some analysts projecting a 4,000-yard passing season and a run at Offensive Rookie of the Year. After the struggles of 2024, Ward represents a clean slate and a dynamic new direction. The pressure is immense, but if he can live up to the hype, and get some help from All-Pro caliber teammates like Jeffery Simmons, the Titans could be competitive far sooner than expected.
Supporting the youth movement is a completely overhauled coaching staff and front office. The team finalized a wave of new hires and promotions designed to maximize the new talent. Key additions include Tony Oden as passing game coordinator/cornerbacks coach and the highly-respected John Fassel as special teams coordinator. Internally, Anthony Levine was promoted to tight ends coach. In the front office, the additions of Scott Cohen as director of football strategy and veteran personnel man Reggie McKenzie signal a new approach to roster construction and long-term planning. This new brain trust will be tested immediately as they navigate the current injury landscape and make crucial roster decisions.
As the calendar flips towards July, the Titans stand at a crossroads. The excitement for a new era, spearheaded by a potential franchise quarterback in Cam Ward, is palpable. However, that optimism is tempered by the very real concerns hanging over the health of key offensive players. The next few weeks leading into training camp are critical. Every health update, every practice report will be scrutinized as we wait to see if this revamped Titans team can hit the ground running or if they'll be stumbling out of the gate. The new brain trust has its work cut out for them, and the first major test is just around the corner.
