Gunnar Helm injected life into Titans TE depth in Week 2 of the 2025 preseason, hauling in four of four targets for 48 yards and a touchdown. Helm’s versatility was evident: he blocked, ran routes, and moved like a traditional inline tight end and a classic move tight end, presenting a clear mismatch in the Falcons’ front. The performance underscored Helm’s push to supplant Chig Okonkwo as Tennessee’s starter, a goal Helm has vocalized and pursued since being a Titans fourth-round pick alongside Okonkwo.

Okonkwo, already in his fourth season, has been a steady contributor, but last season’s two fumbles are a reminder that ball security is still a part of the battle for the TE2 role in 2025. Helm’s 4-for-4 line, plus his all-around production, signals a potential shift in the Titans’ tight end picture if he continues to seize the moment. The win closed a long 10-day trip and reinforced that Tennessee’s offense could maximize mismatches at tight end with Helm offering a legitimate alternative to Okonkwo.

The game also came with hiccups—an interception by Brandon Allen and a late fumble by T.J. Sheffield—yet the Titans still walked away on top. Helm’s emergence adds flavor to Tennessee’s tight end competition and broadens the fantasy impulse around the unit. If Helm keeps delivering at this level, Tennessee may rotate through multiple 12-person sets with dynamic TE looks, keeping defenses honest and opening up the run and play-action schemes as 2025 approaches.