4 Titans Players With the Most to Gain in Preseason Opener Against 49ers

The Tennessee Titans will play a football game for the first time in more than seven months on Thursday, as the team is set to open the preseason against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium. Tennessee had a joint practice with San Francisco on Tuesday and will now conclude its trip in Santa Clara with a preseason contest.

Head coach Robert Saleh said after practice on Tuesday that the Titans' starters will play Thursday night and even get more than one drive. It's critical for the starters to see the field a bit to prepare for the regular season, but still, this game isn't about them.

The main focus of Thursday's game is for players on the bubble to bolster their claims for a roster spot and raise their stock. With that in mind, let's take a look at four Titans who have the most to gain with a standout performance against the 49ers.

Linebacker James Williams Sr.

Entering camp, Williams was in danger of getting cut. However, he's been fantastic so far in camp, as Williams has significantly improved in pass coverage and is still playing with tenacity and power.

Saleh also commended Williams earlier in camp for losing 20 pounds this offseason, which explains why the Miami product is playing faster and fits well in the new-look defense.

If Williams carries his impressive play from practice into the first preseason game, he should secure a roster spot and make the Titans rethink the linebacker depth chart. Williams has outplayed Cody Barton and Mohamoud Diabate in camp, and if that continues, we could see the position group look a lot different than initially expected come Week 1.

Wide Receiver Xavier Restrepo

Aug 4, 2026; Nashville, TN, USA; Tennessee Titans wide receiver Xavier Restrepo (87) during training camp at Vanderbilt Health Football Center. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Restrepo was the biggest winner of Tuesday's joint practice, as the 2025 undrafted free-agent receiver hauled in two touchdowns and led the team in catches with five. Restrepo has been making plays all camp and is pushing for a roster spot for the second straight year.

With Tennessee already having at least five roster locks at receiver in Carnell Tate, Wan'Dale Robinson, Calvin Ridley, Elic Ayomanor, and Chimere Dike, Restrepo is fighting for one of the final spots. Bryce Oliver will also likely make the roster due to his special teams ability.

However, if Restrepo posts a productive outing on Thursday, the Titans may consider keeping seven receivers and retaining the 24-year-old playmaker. Restrepo's connection with quarterback Cam Ward should also help him in roster arguments, but an exceptional preseason would go a long way for the young receiver's case.

Edge Rusher Jaylen Harrell

Harrell has generated some pressure this camp, but overall, it's been a quiet last few weeks for the 2024 seventh-round pick.

Though Harrell hasn't made much noise in camp, the Michigan product ended the 2025 campaign on a high note, tallying 4.5 sacks in the final five games of the year and establishing himself as a key piece of the pass rush. However, he's fighting for a roster spot in Tennessee's deep edge rusher group.

Harrell must turn in a dominant preseason to ensure his future in Nashville for another year. The young pass rusher has proven that he can be an impact player in spurts, but Harrell must put it all together.

Quarterback Will Levis

Tennessee Titans quarterback Will Levis (8) warms up during the Blue and White Stadium Scrimmage at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Friday, Aug. 7, 2026. | USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect

At this point, Levis would have to post a historic preseason to save his future with the Titans. The 2023 second-round pick likely won't be on the roster by September, but what Levis can do in the preseason, starting Thursday, is audition for his next team.

An efficient preseason where he takes care of the ball and leads the second-team and third-team offense on sustainable scoring drives could entice a team to give Levis another chance. The Kentucky product still possesses solid arm talent and mobility, but his decision-making and confidence are holding him back.

A team that wants to upgrade its backup quarterback situation or add a developmental signal-caller could take a flier on Levis and give the Titans a late-round pick in return. It would be a win-win for all parties involved.

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