Titans bring in veteran tackle ahead of Week 1

The Titans will be without starting right tackle Nicholas Petit-Frere for the first six weeks of the 2023 NFL season.

The former third-round pick was suspended for violating the NFL’s gambling policy. Per reports, NPF did not bet on the Titans but instead placed wagers on other sports while at the team facility.

While a huge blow to an already-weak Titans’ line, the team did recently bring in a veteran reinforcement. Chris Hubbard was brought in to battle for the right tackle spot.

Hubbard has been in the league since going undrafted in the 2013 NFL Draft and latching on with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Hubbard remained in Pittsburgh through the 2017 season, filling in at guard and tackle when needed. From 2018-2022, Hubbard was a member of the Cleveland Browns and gave the team a solid veteran presence who could play multiple positions.

Before the addition of Hubbard, it appeared that veteran Jamarco Jones, rookie Jaelyn Duncan, and the versatile Daniel Brunskill were competing for the job. Hubbard should now be viewed as the favorite due to having 49 career starts under his belt. The veteran did struggle mightily in 2022, but he battled injury and has usually graded well otherwise.

Even after the return of NPF, Hubbard should stick around as a versatile depth option. If Aaron Brewer struggles or someone gets injured, Hubbard is an experienced option who can step in and keep the team afloat.