The Tennessee Titans are set for a game later this week, as this will be their first preseason contest under the leadership of the new Titans staff, including head coach Robert Saleh. Saleh has made it clear how he feels about this team and how he wants to push them to the max to prepare for this upcoming season.
That was proven true when he spoke to the media following a joint practice with the San Francisco 49ers on Tuesday. He explained that the starters will play against the 49ers and won't be in for just one drive. This includes Cam Ward, who is expected to be the starting quarterback for the Titans during his second season with the franchise.
While it is good that he is set to play, the Titans need to be particular in how long he sees the field.
How Long the Titans Should Play Cam Ward in Their Preseason Game Against the San Francisco 49ers
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Ward seeing the field and gaining reps against a defense that he doesn't see very often is great for his development. However, when it comes to keeping him healthy, the Titans will need to limit the number of hits that he takes. If that is going to be the case, the Titans will need to set a small number of drives.
Ward was sacked 55 times during the regular season a year ago. If that is to be expected during the 2026 season, then the answer that seems reasonable is three drives. This gives multiple chances for the Titans' gunslinger to see different sets, while also limiting the amount of hits he will take when dropping back in shotgun.
The max that the Titans should even consider playing Ward is for a quarter, but considering that there will be two more preseason games following the conclusion of the game on Thursday. If the Titans were going to play him as long as a quarter, the best time to do that would be down the line when the third game of the preseason comes.
Until then, it seems that the quarterbacks who will receive the majority of the snaps will be between Hendon Hooker, Will Levis and Mitchell Trubisky. With that being said, their development matters, but the main focus that everyone will monitor closely is with Cam Ward.
