Delanie Walker was able to achieve his goal of participating in Titans OTAs, but that doesn’t mean the tight end is fully recovered from his dislocated and fractured ankle. The veteran told Sports Illustrated’s Jenny Vrentas that he’s uncertain if he’ll start training camp on the physically unable to perform list.
“I’ll leave that up to the coaches,” the 34-year-old said. “We have great coaches and training staff. They’re probably not going to let me hit the ground running like I want to, but I look forward to getting into my groove.”
It makes sense for the Titans to operate with some caution, especially considering Walker’s age and injury. The tight end will be 35 by Week 1, and he’s also set to play in his 14th NFL season. If the team wants him to replicate the production from his first five seasons in Tennessee, it makes sense to bring him along slowly.
Walker joined the Titans back in 2013, and he earned three-straight Pro Bowl nods between 2015 and 2017. Prior to last season, the team gave the veteran a two-year extension worth $17MM ($12.6MM guaranteed). Walker ranks top-10 in Titans history in receptions, touchdowns, and receiving yards.
If Walker were to miss any time, the Titans would likely lean on former third-rounder Jonnu Smith. The Titans are also rostering tight ends Anthony Firkser, Ryan Hewitt, MyCole Pruitt, and Cole Wick.