With DeAndre Hopkins sidelined for the remainder of training camp with a knee injury, all eyes once again are focused on Treylon Burks.
Calvin Ridley and Tyler Boyd were imported as free agents in the offseason to start with Hopkins in the Titans new offense. That left the 2022 first-round pick as a backup after two injury-plagued seasons.
But now, with Hopkins ailing, Burks will once again get first-team reps for the most part in camp and preseason in Tennessee’s three-wide base offense.
Can he show enough with this opportunity and this season to have the Titans consider him worthy of being in their long-term plans after producing just 49 catches and missing 12 games in his first two years as a pro?
If he can, it would be a big step forward for the receiver, who fairly or unfairly, was under the microscope from the beginning, being the player the Titans acquired with the pick they received in the much-criticized trade of A.J. Brown.
It’s early, but Brian Callahan is pleased with where a slimmed-down Burks is so far in camp.
“I think what’s important for Trey, and I expressed this to him the other day, is that nothing changes for him,” Callahan says. “Whatever approach he’s taken so far has been fantastic. He’s done everything we’ve asked. He’s in great shape. He looks big and strong. He’s made plays in practice.
“For him, I just said there’s no more pressure on you to do anything other than just do what you’ve been doing.
“And I think that’s he’s in a good place with that perspective, and I thought he’s had a really good start to camp. I’m excited to see him play some in the preseason and see what he does in game action. But, very pleased with what he’s done so far.”
Burks says the same bit of advice was also given to him by Hopkins.
“I look up to Hop as a mentor, and he just told me to do what I do and that’s what I’ve been trying to do before the injury (to Hopkins) even happened,” Burks says. “I’m just going out there to have fun and continue doing what I’m doing.”
Burks admitted he is now free of stress and enjoying himself once again.
“I don’t have any stress. I’m just a like a little kid out here again playing football,” Burks says.