If the Tennessee Titans' tight end Delanie Walker has to sit out this weekend's match against the Cleveland Browns, it seems that Titans coach Ken Whisenhunt is relying on Chase Coffman to help fill in for Walker's absence.
The veteran tight end exited Sunday's game versus the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the third quarter with an apparent right arm injury. Walker remained on the ground after a 20-yard reception and then seen being escorted out of the field with trainers holding his arm in place.
Prior to hurting his hand, the 31-year-old Titans player had three catches in Sunday's 42-14 win against the Bucs for 43 yards and a touchdown. He was then seen with his right hand wrapped in a cast after the game, although Walker claimed there was no break.
The Tennessee Titans chose to start the season with five tight ends in its roster. Aside from Walker and Coffman, they also have Anthony Fasano, Craig Stevens and Phillip Supernaw. On Sunday's game against the Buccaneers, Coffman was the only tight end inactive.
Whisenhunt said earlier this month that the 6'6", 250-pound Coffman could line up in the slot if necessary this season, especially now that Walker's attendance for Week 2 is uncertain. Coffman led the Titans in receiving yards (189) as well as catches (12) in the preseason.
Coffman mentioned that that he is well-versed with the receivers' responsibilities and said, "I have quite a bit of familiarity. We do quite a bit of stuff where we could go either two tight ends or three wide receivers and one tight end. Last year was kind of the same thing. I had to know it all, being the third guy here, and I don't think it really changes this year."
The previous 2014 season had not been good for the Titans. Delanie Walker was team's one bright spot during the games in Nashville. He managed to deliver a total of 63 catches for 890 yards and led all Titans receivers.
In a recent post on the team's official website, coach Ken Whisenhunt has this to say about the situation, "I'm optimistic. There's a chance he'll [Walker] play this week. We'll see how it progresses during the week. I would say we would have to be in good shape. We have five tight ends on our roster. But it's good that we do have that option. I think that some of things that Delanie does well, Chase can fill that role if we need him to, which is good."
