Tennessee Titans announce another new starter at left tackle ahead of Panthers game
Another rookie will get a chance to showcase his talents on offense for the Tennessee Titans on Sunday.
Titans coach Mike Vrabel announced that rookie Jaelyn Duncan will start at left tackle when the Titans (3-7) host the Carolina Panthers (1-9) at Nissan Stadium Sunday (noon, FOX). A sixth-round pick out of Maryland, Duncan played more than half of the Titans' game against the Jacksonville Jaguars last Sunday at right tackle, his first prolonged exposure since being drafted.
Duncan now joins quarterback Will Levis, running back Tyjae Spears, tight end Josh Whyle and guard Peter Skoronski as rookies making major contributions on the Titans' offense.
"I've just been getting ready," said Duncan, who told media he was informed he'd be starting this week as early as last Sunday. "Just been preparing like I've always been: like a starter. I am starting now, so I'll continue to do the same thing and go out there and play ball and try not to overthink or get in my head about anything. Just ball out."
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Vrabel said Duncan will start at left tackle but veteran Andre Dillard cleared the concussion protocol and will be available to play the position if needed. Chris Hubbard, the Titans' regular starting right tackle, will be out Sunday. He'll be replaced by Dillon Radunz, who played left tackle for the Titans last week.
As is customary with Titans rookies, Duncan said Vrabel has thrown numerous questions his way during team meetings and film sessions, and Duncan only remembers one time where he didn't have the correct answer ready. Vrabel doesn't even seem to remember that instance.
"We all have different personalities. Jaelyn's probably more reserved in his personality," Vrabel said. "There's never been one time that he didn't know the information or didn't retain it. What's most important is how he does on Sunday and how he can process the play-in and play-out duties and situations that occur throughout the game."
Duncan didn't allow any quarterback pressures in his 10 pass block snaps against Jacksonville. Consistency has been lacking for the Titans' offensive line all season. Duncan will be the ninth offensive lineman to start a game for the Titans, and the fourth at left tackle. The Titans are allowing the third-highest pressure rate and the second-highest sack rate in the NFL.
Tennessee Titans Friday injury report
In addition to Hubbard, the Titans will be without receiver Treylon Burks for the third-straight week as he works back from a concussion. Safety Terrell Edmunds and linebacker Luke Gifford are designated as questionable to play.
Nick Suss is the Titans beat writer for The Tennessean. Contact Nick at nsuss@gannett.com. Follow Nick on X, the platform formerly called Twitter, @nickusss.
This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Tennessee Titans rookie Jaelyn Duncan is new starting left tackle
