Hernandez replaced Isaiah Adams at right guard. Adams' progression at the position was a key storyline throughout the offseason. Coach Jonathan Gannon routinely praised the 2024 third-round selection. But in five starts, Adams had his struggles, and Hernandez earned the job back.
Gannon said he is not concerned about Adams' confidence taking a hit.
"He'll prepare and practice and do everything that he needs to do to get ready to play," Gannon said. "I don't question that at all. Like we said, roles change, so he's got to be ready to go."
In the game against the Titans, Adams started, but it was in place of the injured Evan Brown at left guard. Adams had started 14 starts at left guard over his two seasons at Illinois. When asked about potentially utilizing Adams' versatility and moving him to left guard, which would set up a competition with Brown, Gannon doubled down on the preparation.
"Besides the quarterbacks, almost everybody on our team has to be cross trained in some sort of capacity," Gannon said. "Throughout the week, on game day, you've got to be ready to put on that hat and execute."
Having been described as an "enforcer" by many of his teammates, Hernandez's presence on the offensive line gives it that mean streak which opposing defenses fear. Now that "Big Mijo" is back and healthy, he's expecting big things from the offensive line.
There is no uncertainty about it.
"The sky is the limit for us," Hernandez said. "Because not only do I know those guy's mentality and they know mine, but once we get rolling, there's no stopping us. We're not just one-hit wonders or one-trick ponies. We are always aiming to get better no matter how well we do."