Once Again, Defensive Lineman Released a Day Before Game

Matt Dickerson, running back Dalyn Dawkins waived as team addresses injuries at other spots

If it’s Saturday it must be time to say goodbye to Matt Dickerson.

The Tennessee Titans waived the second-year defensive end along with running back Dalyn Dawkins.

Wide receiver Kalif Raymond and defensive back Kareem Orr were promoted from the practice squad to fill their spots. Both additions help offset the absence of Adoreé Jackson, who will miss a game for the first time in his career. Jackson, a third-year cornerback, was ruled out Friday with a knee injury.

It is the second straight Saturday that Dickerson (pictured) has been released. The same thing happened last week when first-round draft pick Jeffery Simmons was added to the active roster.

The Titans re-signed Dickerson on Tuesday. He played in two of this season’s first seven games, registered a tackle on Oct. 6 against Buffalo and a quarterback pressure on Sept. 15 against Indianapolis.

Dawkins, likewise, has been on and off the active roster multiple times this season. He made the team out of training camp but was released a week before the season-opener as franchise officials addressed depth concerns along the offensive line at the start. He spent four weeks on the practice squad and was returned to the active roster on Oct. 8. He has appeared in one game (Denver) and has carried two times for two yards.

Raymond was the Titans’ leading receiver during the preseason (13 catches, 204 yards) as well as the most-used returner on punts and kickoffs. He made the roster out of the preseason but was released prior to the start of the regular season and has been on the practice squad since a day after the opener. He provides a backup option behind punt returner Adam Humphries and kickoff returner Darius Jennings.

Orr was an undrafted free agent who spent the offseason and preseason with the Titans. He has spent the first seven weeks of the season on the practice squad. His presence provides a fifth healthy cornerback with Jackson and Chris Milton, primarily a special teams player, unable to play. Milton has been ruled out with a calf injury.

The Titans face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday at Nissan Stadium.