The Tennessee Titans just turned a routine joint practice into a total mess. It wasn’t the plays or the drills that grabbed the headlines. It was a hit that left a star player sidelined and two teams ready to fight in the middle of the field.
During a practice session with the Chicago Bears on Thursday, Aug. 27, former Titans safety Xavier Woods delivered a hard hit on wide receiver Wan’Dale Robinson. The impact was nasty enough that players from both sides immediately started shoving each other. Staff members had to step in just to stop the fight. Tennessee coach Robert Saleh didn’t hold back on his feelings about the play. He used one word to describe the hit: “Cheap.”
The cost of a reckless hit
Bad blood between the rosters is one thing, but the real issue is the risk to a massive investment. Robinson plays under a four-year, $70 million contract. He just finished a huge season where he hauled in 92 catches for 1,014 yards. You don’t lose a $70 million asset to a “cheap” hit in a preseason practice. The hit was bad enough that Robinson didn’t return to the field. “We’re checking Wan’Dale for a concussion,” Saleh said, according to Yahoo Sports.
No room for unnecessary drama
I hate seeing players get hurt, but I hate seeing unnecessary nonsense even more. This wasn’t a game-winning drive. It was a Thursday practice. When players start a shoving match over a hit like that, it shows a lack of discipline. If the Titans can’t keep their cool, they’re just asking for more injuries. We already know Robinson has a history with injuries, including a torn ACL and fractured ribs. He’s played 48 of his last 51 games. The last thing this team needs is a preventable head injury to their primary safety valve for Cam Ward.
If Robinson stays out, the depth chart gets messy fast. The team would have to rely on rookie Carnell Tate or veteran Calvin Ridley to take over the bulk of those snaps. The Titans would also have to lean on Elic Ayomanor and Chimere Dike.
