Titans’ Jaelyn Duncan on track to start after strong showing in Week 11

Tennessee Titans right tackle Chris Hubbard suffered yet another injury in Week 11, which forced the Titans to deploy rookie offensive tackle Jaelyn Duncan in his stead.

And Duncan actually performed well in relief of Hubbard. Granted, it was a small sample size, but the Maryland product didn’t allow a single sack or pressure in 12 pass-block snaps and recorded the second-highest pass-blocking grade (79.4) on the team, per Pro Football Focus.

Titans head coach Mike Vrabel said on Monday that Hubbard is expected to miss time with the injury he sustained on Sunday. He also noted that Andre Dillard remains in the concussion protocol, although the Titans shouldn’t be going back to him under any circumstances.

That paves the way for Duncan to start at right tackle in Week 12, and Vrabel basically confirmed that is the case by saying the rookie would see more time at tackle this week.

Vrabel said Jaelyn Duncan will get more time at tackle this week.

— Terry McCormick (@terrymc13) November 20, 2023

Vrabel said he thought it was good to see Jaelyn Duncan get some reps. Said from an assignment stand point, was OK and execution could have been better. He had played as a 6th OL early in the game before Chris Hubbard went down.

— Terry McCormick (@terrymc13) November 20, 2023

With the Titans having an eye on the future now that their season is shot, they should be giving Duncan as many opportunities as possible the rest of the way, even when the 32-year-old Hubbard is healthy.

In an ideal world, the sixth-round pick plays well and leaves Tennessee with one less spot to worry about upfront going into 2024.