The Tennessee Titans were back at practice on Sunday, as they made progress towards their first preseason contest against the San Francisco 49ers. With multiple different position battles finally beginning to take shape, it is safe to say that a recent report may be a spoiler for what's to come despite the team not making any official announcement on who will be the starter.
That position battle is at the center position. This is a big-time position battle for the Titans, as they continue to show they are willing to give day three draft selection Pat Coogan an opportunity to shine. He is battling with Austin Schlottmann, who is the expected leader in the position battle. Here is what local reporter Turron Davenport said following the practice on Sunday.
"Early reps for Pat Coogan again. IMO (in my opinion), Austin Schlottmann has the Center spot, though," Davenport said on X when sharing some notes following practice.
Why Austin Schlottmann is More Beneficial Than Pat Coogan
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
The Titans added Austin Schlottmann from the New York Giants this offseason, which is the place the franchise would have wanted to add the player from. "Why is this the case?" you may ask. This is due to the fact that the Titans made a move to add Brian Daboll, former Giants head football coach, as their offensive coordinator for the 2026 season. Having as many players familiar with that offense is going to help the returning players from last year's team put together by Brian Callahan.
The player who will receive the most help from the addition is Cam Ward, as Schlottmann could be the center who helps the young quarterback set his protection, which takes a major task off his shoulders while trying to familiarize himself with a new offensive scheme.
If the Titans were to have Coogan as the starter, then Ward would have to be the one to set the protection. Also, with Coogan being a rookie, he will have a lot he needs to learn himself. He is a solid player, and he is capable of being the future guy for the Titans, but there is no need for this team to rush the progress and development of Coogan when they have a veteran in Schlottmann, who is already familiar with the system.
This makes the center battle a no-brainer in my opinion.
