Titans’ Nicholas Petit-Frere returns to practice field, hopes to earn starting right tackle job
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) – Nicholas Petit-Frere took the first step toward trying to claim the Tennessee Titans’ starting right tackle position by returning to the practice field on Saturday.
“I´m must blessed to be here. Literally, I hadn´t put on pads or a helmet since (November). I had my injury to my shoulder and then to my knee, so I hadn´t been able to put on a helmet until today,” Petit-Frere said.
Petit-Frere, a third-round pick out of Ohio State in 2022, suffered a season-ending shoulder injury last Nov. 2 against Pittsburgh.
He had surgery and was ready to return when the Titans began their offseason program in the spring, but he then suffered a knee injury that required arthroscopic surgery.
Petit-Frere began training camp on the physically unable to perform list and was activated Friday.
“It´s been a long time coming for me to get out here and get a chance to play again, and for me to get a chance to show again what I can do and what I can become,” Petit-Frere said.
Petit-Frere wasted no time in jumping to the front of the line in the competition at right tackle, although Jaelyn Duncan and John Ojukwu also got some first-team snaps.
Conditioning will be important as Petit-Frere prepares for the Titans’ preseason opener on Aug. 10 against San Francisco.
“He´s cleared and full go. It´s just a matter of working him back into shape with the pads on,” coach Brian Callahan said.
Petit-Frere felt some fatigue after his first day back in pads.
“I´m a little gassed, but it´s going to come with more reps, more chances, more opportunities. I just have to keep working, keep grinding and getting better,” he said.
NOTES: WR DeAndre Hopkins will not need surgery but “will miss several weeks” with a knee injury, Callahan said. … CB L´Jarius Sneed, S Jamal Adams and WR Tre´shaun Harrison were held out of Saturday´s practice. G Saahdiq Charles was excused for personal reasons. … WR Kearis Jackson left the practice field after having his left ankle examined. CB Caleb Farley and WR Bryce Oliver also did not finish practice.
Tennessee Titans offensive lineman Nicholas Petit-Frere (78) competes against tackle Brian Dooley, left, in a blocking drill during an NFL football training camp practice Saturday, Aug. 3, 2024, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Zaleski)
Tennessee offensive line coach Bill Callahan gives instructions to Nicholas Petit-Frere (78) during an NFL football training camp practice Saturday, Aug. 3, 2024, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Zaleski)
