Tennessee’s latest depth chart reveals two jersey-number swaps ahead of Week 1: Cedric Gray shifts from 51 back to 33, returning to his North Carolina number and strengthening the Titans’ inside linebacker trio. Kalel Mullings switches from 28 to 31 as he begins his NFL career with a fresh number and a chance to carve out a role behind Derrick Henry. Tennessee hosts Denver in the season opener, a test for both rookies and the revamped unit.

Gray’s path to a starting ILB spot beside Cody Barton is reinforced by a standout camp, while Mullings’ No. 31 assignment carves out a potential early-down and change-of-pace back role with upside in passing game scenarios. Fantasy folks should watch how these roster moves translate to immediate snaps and production in the opener.

The Titans open Week 1 with Elic Ayomanor stepping in as the starter opposite Ridley, signaling a fast-tracked rookie path with immediate fantasy upside. Inside, Cedric Gray beats out James Williams for the ILB role next to Cody Barton, with Kyzir White in a solid rotation. Cushenberry anchors center after Levin’s release, while Slater slides into the backup spot and Crenshaw-Dickson earns the primary backup to Latham at right tackle. Udoh stands as the swing option, framing a notably young, athletic lineup in Tennessee.

Week 1 against Denver pits Ayomanor against a tough Broncos defense, making this a pivotal test for the Titans’ target distribution and Ayomanor’s ceiling. The early depth chart hints at a run of versatile two-tight/three-receiver looks, with Ayomanor and Ridley forming a dynamic outside tandem and Cushenberry smoothing the interior, setting up a measured but potentially explosive start for Tennessee’s passing game.

Tennessee opens 2025 with three big questions: Cam Ward’s Week 1 adaptation as the No. 1 pick, whether the rebuilt offensive line can deliver protection and run lanes, and which linebacker pair claims the starting role. Ward’s Week 1 start is a high-stakes test for a rookie QB in a pivotal division clash with Denver.

The line upgrades—Dan Moore Jr. at left tackle, Kevin Zeitler at right guard, and JC Latham shifting sides—aim to stabilize Ward and boost the run game. On defense, Cedric Gray and James Williams Sr. loom as Week 1 catalysts behind an unsettled LB corps, with Ward’s development shaping the Titans’ immediate fantasy upside.

Tennessee worked out Luke Masterson after trimming to 53, adding a veteran playmaker with Raiders roots who can help on defense and special teams. Masterson appeared in 37 games with Las Vegas, starting 10 and posting 103 tackles, plus two fumble recoveries and solid special-teams impact. A knee IR in 2024 slowed his momentum, but his unrestricted-free-agent status keeps him affordable for depth. Tennessee’s inside linebacker group remains competitive with Cody Barton, Cedric Gray, James Williams, and Curtis Jacobs; Masterson would add speed, proven coverage, and ST value to the room.