For the Tennessee Titans, head coach Brian Callahan entered the NFL preseason with goals of getting his team prepared to improve on last season’s 3-14 record. Callahan has emphasized that he wants his players focused on the future, not last season’s mistakes.
Tennessee has gone 1-1 through two preseason games. The Titans look to finish on a winning note when they host the Minnesota Vikings, also 1-1, at Nissan Stadium on Friday, Aug. 22, at 8 p.m. Eastern. The game will be televised nationally on CBS and available on NFL+.
With Callahan facing crunch time ahead of NFL cutdown day on Aug. 26, will he play his starters against the Vikings?
Will Cam Ward and Other Titans Starters Play Against Minnesota Tonight?
On Tuesday, August 19, Callahan informed local media he planned to play his starters Friday night. Jim Wyatt of TennesseeTitans.com posted Callahan’s remarks on X.
.@Titans HC Brian Callahan: I do think the intent is to play starters on Friday night in preseason finale
— Jim Wyatt (@jwyattsports) August 19, 2025
This means 2025 first-round pick Cam Ward will be running the Tennessee offense. Ward, in two preseason appearances, has completed 7 of 15 passes for 109 yards, no touchdowns, and no interceptions. He has a passer rating of 71.3 heading into Friday’s game.
Running back Jordan Mims should also see some time on the field. He has helped the Titans’ rushing attack look sharper than last season. Don’t look for running back Tyjae Spears to return, as he has been out since suffering an ankle injury against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Tight end Chigoziem Okonkwo is battling rookie Gunnar Helm, who played at Texas, for a roster spot. If Okonkwo wants to remain on the 53-man roster, he needs to step up against Minnesota.
Which Young Titans Will Get Their Chance Tonight?
Fourth-round rookie wide receiver Elic Ayomanor should see action, along with Helm, who impressed last week with a 25-yard touchdown catch from backup quarterback Brandon Allen.
Ward has taken notice of Helm’s play. “Gunnar [Helm] is a dawg,” Ward told the media. “Every chance I get to target him in practice, whether I throw a back shoulder ball…he always comes down with it, he’s a big target.
“I think the greatest thing about Gunnar is that he never complains, he’s somebody who shows up to work every day and puts the work in,” Ward added.
Keep an eye on rookie running back Kalel Mullings. Along with Mims, he has helped the Titans average 138 rushing yards per game in two preseason contests. Their ability to pound the ball on the ground also benefits Ward and Allen in the passing game.
On the offensive line, Jackson Slater should also see action. Slater, a fifth-round pick out of Sacramento State in the 2025 draft, will get more snaps. Cornerback Marcus Harris, a sixth-round pick, may also get a chance to showcase his skills against the Vikings.
