Titans Shake Up Inside Linebacker Group, Adding Depth and Experience Ahead of Falcons Joint Practices
Even when the team is on the road, the Tennessee Titans aren’t sitting still. On Tuesday, they made some key roster moves to boost competition and depth in their inside linebacker group just ahead of their joint practices with the Atlanta Falcons.
The Titans officially announced the signings of linebackers Khaleke Hudson and Blake Lynch — moves designed to add fresh legs and NFL know-how to a unit that’s been working hard but could definitely use some more firepower. These signings come with tough goodbyes as the team waived linebacker David Gbenda and placed linebacker Anfernee Orji on the waived/injured list. Unfortunately, Orji reportedly suffered a torn ACL during their joint practice with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, which is a huge blow to the young defender’s season and the team’s depth chart.
Khaleke Hudson: A Proven Special Teams Ace and Defensive Contributor
Khaleke Hudson arrives in Tennessee with a solid NFL resume. The 6-foot-2, 200-pound linebacker was drafted in the fifth round by the Washington Commanders back in 2020 and has since bounced around a few teams, including the New Orleans Saints and Cleveland Browns. Over his career, Hudson has appeared in 75 games and started 12 times, bringing a balanced combination of defensive production and special teams grit.
What stands out about Hudson is his versatility and experience. Through his NFL journey, he’s racked up 91 tackles, one sack, seven tackles for loss, two passes defensed, and an impressive 26 special teams tackles. Last season, he spent most of his time on special teams with the Saints and Browns, playing in all 17 games and making eight tackles. That kind of reliability and special teams prowess makes him a valuable asset for any team looking to shore up its linebacker depth and special teams unit.
Blake Lynch: The Undrafted Hustler with Proven Versatility
Joining Hudson on the inside linebacker depth chart is Blake Lynch, a 6-foot-3, 225-pound linebacker who has been grinding in the NFL since going undrafted in 2020. Despite not being drafted, Lynch has carved out a respectable career with five different NFL teams, showcasing his adaptability and determination.
Lynch has appeared in 29 games with seven starts, compiling 47 tackles, two sacks, two tackles for loss, and one interception. He’s also been active in coverage, with three passes defensed, and shown playmaking ability by forcing a fumble and recovering another. On special teams, he’s contributed 10 tackles, reinforcing his all-around value.
The Titans will be counting on Lynch’s hustle and flexibility as they push forward into a physically demanding stretch of the preseason.
Injury Setback for Anfernee Orji
On the downside of Tuesday’s roster moves, the Titans announced that Anfernee Orji suffered a torn ACL in their joint practice session against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. This injury is a tough break for Orji, who was showing promise before the setback. His absence will undoubtedly affect the inside linebacker depth, which makes the signings of Hudson and Lynch all the more critical.
Orji’s injury not only impacts the player’s individual progress but also forces the Titans’ coaching staff to rethink how they rotate players and manage workloads in the linebacker group.
What This Means for the Titans’ Linebacker Room
The Titans’ inside linebacker group has been a mix of veterans and young players trying to establish themselves. Adding Hudson and Lynch introduces fresh competition, experience, and special teams capability to the mix. It’s a clear sign the team wants to push every player to earn their spot and isn’t afraid to shake things up early in training camp.
For Tennessee fans, it’s exciting to see the front office and coaching staff actively managing the roster, especially with joint practices on the horizon against the Falcons. These practices are a prime opportunity to see how the new additions fit into the defensive schemes and special teams units.
Looking Ahead: Joint Practices with the Falcons
Hudson and Lynch will likely see their first action with the Titans during Tuesday’s joint practice session against Atlanta. These practices are a great chance for the coaching staff to evaluate how the linebackers gel with the team and contribute in both defensive drills and special teams work.
Joint practices have a reputation for being highly competitive, often more intense than regular training sessions, as teams prepare for their upcoming games by simulating game-speed contact and complex scenarios. For new players like Hudson and Lynch, these sessions are crucial to making an impression.
Why These Moves Matter in the Bigger Picture
Adding NFL-experienced linebackers like Hudson and Lynch isn’t just about plugging holes. It’s about building a culture of competition and resilience. The Titans want every player on the roster to be battle-tested and ready to step up when called upon.
Special teams play, often overlooked by casual fans, can be the difference in close games. Both Hudson and Lynch bring proven special teams skills, which is a big plus. Coaches love players who can contribute in multiple phases of the game because it gives them flexibility on game day rosters.
Titans’ Linebacker Landscape: What Fans Should Watch For
-
Battle for Starting Roles: With veterans and newcomers in the mix, keep an eye on how Hudson and Lynch compete for starting snaps. They bring valuable experience but will have to adapt quickly to the Titans’ defensive schemes.
-
Special Teams Impact: Both linebackers have strong special teams resumes, so expect them to be featured heavily in kickoff, punt coverage, and return units.
-
Depth and Durability: The injury to Orji puts a spotlight on the team’s depth. These signings help mitigate the risk and provide more options for the coaching staff.
-
Practice Intensity: The joint sessions with the Falcons will test the newcomers’ readiness and toughness. How they perform here could set the tone for their role in the regular season.
A Look Back at Hudson and Lynch’s NFL Journeys
Khaleke Hudson: Drafted in 2020 by Washington, Hudson showed flashes of being a dependable linebacker and a special teams ace. Over the years, he’s been a steady contributor, adapting to different defensive systems with the Saints and Browns. His 2024 season, spent mostly on special teams, proves his willingness to do the hard work often ignored by the spotlight but crucial to winning football games.
Blake Lynch: The ultimate underdog story, Lynch entered the league as an undrafted rookie but made enough plays to stick around on multiple teams. His stats show a player who can make big plays in the passing game, pressure the quarterback, and force turnovers. His ability to contribute on special teams adds to his value, especially on a team like the Titans that values versatility.
Final Thoughts
The Titans’ moves this week underscore their commitment to building a competitive and resilient roster. Signing Khaleke Hudson and Blake Lynch not only strengthens their inside linebacker group but also adds valuable special teams contributors, something that can’t be overlooked in the grind of an NFL season.
As they gear up for those joint practices with the Falcons, all eyes will be on how these new faces perform, adapt, and compete. For Tennessee fans, it’s a promising sign that the team is working hard behind the scenes to prepare for a tough, physical season.
Login