Dallas continues to harden its left tackle plan, with Nate Thomas emerging as a concrete Plan B behind Tyler Guyton as the season approaches. Guyton’s health and development are in flux, making a dependable LT backup essential for Week 1 and beyond. Asim Richards was expected to provide insurance, but the club appears to favor Thomas as the immediate backup option at LT while maintaining Richards as a versatile swing.

Thomas, a 2024 seventh-round pick, has shown promising athletic traits and a willingness to grow, delivering a solid preseason showing after tough practice reps against a Rams front. The Cowboys’ evaluation suggests a real path to him starting if needed, though progress remains contingent on continued development and Guyton’s status. The plan isn’t just about injury relief; it’s a strategic hedge against Plan A’s uncertainty and a potential long-term answer at a spot that has defined Dallas’ O-line depth for years.

In the bigger scheme, Dallas’ approach centers on depth and flexibility. Richards’ OL6 role in jumbo looks signals a broader vision for versatility, while Thomas represents a tangible, ready-now option should misfortune strike. For fantasy and bets, the narrative boosts the value of Dallas’ run-blocking scheme if Thomas seizes the chance, and it tempers expectations if he remains a work in progress through September.

The Titans’ roster shuffle persists beyond a preseason loss, but starters largely keep their spots as depth-chart adjustments roll out after Game 1. With joint practices in Atlanta looming and a Aug. 15 tilt vs. the Falcons, The Tennessean’s Post-opener 53-man projection tightens the bottom of the roster, emphasizing an adaptable group ready for Week 1. The moves center on depth, special-teams value, and contingency plans for injuries, while the core—especially the top skill-position players—stays intact.

In the backfield, Tony Pollard anchors the RB group, joined by Tyjae Spears, Julius Chestnut and Kalel Mullings, giving Tennessee insurance behind Pollard and a pathway if Spears isn’t 100% by Week 1. At receiver, Calvin Ridley, Van Jefferson and Tyler Lockett hold the top lines, with Elic Ayomanor, Chimere Dike, Bryce Oliver and James Proche II filling the four- and return-man roles to create a multi-faceted package in the passing game. The tight end grouping features Chig Okonkwo, Gunnar Helm and Thomas Odukoya, with Josh Whyle breathing down the depth chart late in the opener but needing to earn his place.

On the line, the Titans carry nine blockers—Moore, Skoronski, Cushenberry, Zeitler, Latham, Levin, Hance, Rupcich and Slater—balancing health and versatility for Week 1 and potential swing-tackle needs. Up the middle, five interior defenders (Simmons, Sweat, Joseph-Day, Lynch, Raikes) provide a mix of star power and insurance. The edge group (Jones, Key, Oladejo, Ali Gaye, Ward) remains fluid, with Jihad Ward edging Jaylen Harrell for the last spot after productive pressure in the opener. In the middle, four linebackers (Barton, Williams Sr., Gray, Jacobs) hold ground against waivers and practice-squad churn. In the secondary, seven corners (Sneed, Brownlee Jr., McCreary, Baker Jr., Harris, Jeudy-Lally, Oruwariye) and four safeties (Hooker, Woods, Winston Jr., Mike Brown) give Tennessee ample nickel and dime flexibility, while Diggs’ status looms as health and matchups dictate. Special teams are set with Cox, Hekker and Slye staking the 53, giving Kermin confidence as the unit builds chemistry for September.

Cam Ward's debut as the starting quarterback for Tennessee is drawing significant attention following his selection as the No. 1 overall pick in the upcoming NFL draft. The franchise looks to rebound from a dismal three-win season, and Ward's performance will be key to their resurgence. Alongside him, Travis Hunter, known for his dual-threat ability as a wide receiver and cornerback, also faces high expectations as he transitions from his Heisman-winning season at Colorado.

As two of the most scrutinized rookies heading into their first NFL season, both players' developments will be critical. Ward must prove he can handle the pressures of professional football, while Hunter's ability to excel in multiple positions will be pivotal. The Las Vegas Raiders are similarly hopeful for standout performances from their rookie Ashton Jeanty, further highlighting the importance of these new talents in shifting team fortunes.