Titans Wednesday quick hits: Cam Ward returns after bye, Lions’ attention on ball security vs Jaguars

The Titans returned to the practice field on Wednesday at Vanderbilt Health Football Center to continue preparations for Sunday’s game versus the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Quarterback Cam Ward returned to work after the team’s bye week and told reporters he used the break to rest while also focusing on Jacksonville film and refining his mechanics and playbook preparation.

Ward said Jacksonville’s defense is a challenge, pointing to its takeaways as a major factor and emphasizing the need for the Titans to protect the football and to close out games in the fourth quarter.

General manager Mike Borgonzi spoke to reporters on Wednesday, one day after the Titans traded safety Amani Hooker to the Buffalo Bills, framing the move as part of accumulating draft capital to speed up the team-building process.

Tennessee also made a roster adjustment by signing linebacker Mohamoud Diabate to the active roster from the Carolina Panthers’ practice squad.

The Titans’ participation list on Wednesday included several limited absences: linebacker Cody Barton (concussion) and linebacker Anthony Hill Jr. (neck) did not practice; guard Peter Skoronski (hamstring), running back Tyjae Spears (knee), and receiver Carnell Tate (shoulder) were also listed as not practicing. In contrast, multiple players were full participants, including defensive lineman John Franklin-Myers (back), cornerback Marcus Harris (ankle), cornerback Jaylon Jones (knee), tackle JC Latham (finger), running back Tony Pollard (finger), and safety Kevin Winston (shoulder).

Head coach Robert Saleh said the team expects guard Fernando Carmona, placed on Injured Reserve on September 29, to return to practice next week, and that guard Jackson Slater could be back in a few weeks. The Titans were scheduled to practice again Thursday and Friday before their Sunday matchup with Jacksonville.