The Tennessee Titans signed cornerback Chido Awuzie to a sizable three-year contract worth $36 million in free agency. The idea was for Awuzie to partner L’Jarius Sneed as Dennard Wilson’s boundary cornerbacks. That hasn’t come close to fruition, with both players missing the majority of the season to date through injury.
The Titans have instead been forced to rely on Jarvis Brownlee Jr. and Darrell Baker Jr. at cornerback. Both underrated players have provided the team with high-quality snaps.
With that said, Awuzie may soon return to Tennessee’s lineup. Head coach Brian Callahan claimed earlier this week that Awuzie will return to practice this week or next.
Brian Callahan confirms that Jack Gibbens had surgery today and will be out for the rest of the season. “Heartbroken for him.”
Tyjae Spears in protocol.
Chidobe Awuzie will enter return to play either this week or next. #TitanUp @NC5— Steve Layman (@SteveLayman) November 18, 2024
Awuzie was originally placed on IR after suffering a groin injury in a 30-14 Week 3 defeat to the Green Bay Packers. He’s been rehabbing from that injury ever since. Awuzie had appeared in Tennessee’s first three games of the campaign, all losses. Pro Football Focus says he’s allowed just three receptions on six targets this season, meaning he’s forfeited a completion percentage of just 50% when targeted.
Those receptions gained the opposition 29 yards for an average of 9.7 yards per catch. Awuzie wasn’t assigned blame for any explosive passing plays (20-plus yards), with a 19-yard gain being his longest allowed. Awuzie also wasn’t whistled for a single penalty.
The groin injury wasn’t Awuzie’s first setback of the season. Awuzie suffered a calf injury in training camp that sidelined him for nearly the entire duration of camp, forcing him to miss all three preseason games. He joined the Titans in free agency after being familiar with Callahan through their shared tenure together with the Cincinnati Bengals.
Awuzie likely won’t play versus the Houston Texans on Sunday. If he’s scheduled to return next weekend, the Titans will likely be 2-9 and nearing a totally wasted campaign. Should the Titans even consider playing Awuzie?
The Titans have the right idea to insert Awuzie back into the lineup despite the non-competitive games remaining on the schedule. Ran Carthon and Callahan have every right to see if Awuzie could be a useful member of the defensive backfield after rewarding him with a high-paying contract. He needs to prove capable of staying healthy while re-earning trust after Brownlee Jr. and Baker Jr. have maximized their opportunities.