X Xavier Restrepo’s Titans stay ends with a waiver cut, leaving the undrafted Miami star fighting for a practice-squad shot after three preseason grabs for 26 yards. Tennessee leans on Calvin Ridley, Van Jefferson, and Tyler Lockett with rookies Elic Ayomanor and Chimere Dike in the mix, while Cam Ward’s college connection with Restrepo adds intrigue. A season-altering IR for Tyjae Spears reshapes the backfield and broadens the fantasy landscape in Tennessee.

Week 3 of the 2025 NFL preseason delivered a surge of standout depth performances graded by PFF. Yahya Black powered Pittsburgh with a 90.4 pass-rush grade and two sacks, signaling interior versatility. Jaxson Dart produced a top preseason passing grade (93.0) for NYG, backed by big-time throws. Antwaun Powell-Ryland Jr. sparked PHI’s edge, while DAL’s T.J. Bass anchored both run and pass protection. Cam Ward and Van Jefferson offered TEN a timely receiving spark, Courtland Sutton showcased elite involvement for DEN, and Patrick Mahomes closed Week 3 with top-tier efficiency for KC.

The 4Hs—Heroes, Hardship, Highlights, History—have quietly changed the Titans’ locker room, binding offense, defense and special teams with shared stories and a common purpose as training camp opens.

Van Jefferson answered a tough week with three receptions for 102 yards, capped by a 65-yard catch-and-run against Minnesota, and the sidelines overflowed with teammates celebrating the rebound.

Early mood shifts across the roster hint at a team moving from dysfunction toward cohesion, a difference coaches and players say stems from the 4Hs approach.

Van Jefferson led Tennessee’s offense with the top PFF grade in the 23–13 preseason win over Minnesota, illustrating polished route-running and reliable hands as Cam Ward steered the offense. The OL trio of Skoronski, Udoh and the TE duo of Whyle and Okonkwo contributed key plays, hinting at depth behind Burks. On defense, Simmons and Gaziano anchored the rush, while Ward and Amari Burney highlighted special-teams contributors Mullings and Whyle.

Overall, the Titans flashed potential across units, with Jefferson signaling a real ceiling as a Week 1 option, and the defensive line showing enough disruption to bolster IDP intrigue ahead of roster cuts.

Browns reserves showed both upside and risk in a Rams tune-up: Dillon Gabriel was efficient (12-of-19, 192 yards, TD) while Shedeur Sanders battled pass rush and coughed a late fumble. Colts' Riley Leonard connected with Laquon Treadwell for a deep score as the QB race tightens. Rams backups flashed with Dresser Winn and Van Jefferson linking on a 65-yard TD. Cowboys’ Brandon Aubrey drilled a 64-yard FG and long kicks, while Ravens’ Tyler Loop hit a 61-yarder. Hartman’s turnover issues linger in Washington; Browns TE Harold Fannin Jr. had a strong debut; Lions’ Isaac TeSlaa flashed, signaling rookie WR depth.

Overall, the exhibitions highlighted how a small handful of preseason performances could drum up late-draft and dynasty intrigue: Gabriel’s command behind Flacco, Jefferson’s big-play upside, and the kicking implications from Aubrey and Loop could influence streaming and depth-chart decisions well before Week 1.