Despite a 1-5 record, Titans rookie quarterback Cam Ward has impressed so far this season with his toughness in the pocket and displays of leadership in the huddle.
Despite a 1-5 record, Titans rookie quarterback Cam Ward has impressed so far this season with his toughness in the pocket and displays of leadership in the huddle.George Walker IV/Associated Press
Sunday’s game will mark New England’s first meeting with a rookie quarterback this season, as the Patriots will be facing first overall pick Cam Ward.
Tennessee’s starting signal-caller since the beginning of the 2025 season, the 6-foot-2-inch, 219-pounder has completed 55 percent of his passes this year for 1,101 yards, to go along with three touchdowns and four interceptions.
Ward has impressed Patriots coach Mike Vrabel, who praised his quick delivery and accuracy. He also said that Ward’s “contact courage” really stands out.
“I think there’s a willingness to stand in there,” Vrabel said. “I don’t see him staring at the rush a lot. He has the ability to scramble when need be and scramble for first downs (and) doesn’t look like he’s very rattled. I think his composure is very good.”
Vrabel also noted Ward’s off-field approach.
“I saw a quote from him in preseason that said he watched his dad get up for a job at 4:30 a.m. every morning that he didn’t like, and he figured he could get up that early for one that he did,” said Vrabel. “I think that’s just a good reminder for all of us that someone that young could say things that mature. So, again, I think that that’s a good approach to his job.”
Rookie kicker Andy Borregales was a teammate of Ward at the University of Miami, and said the quarterback was “awesome to play with” last season.
“I mean, he’s obviously the leader of the team, the QB. The front man,” said Borregales. “But he’s just got that calm demeanor that everyone talked about last year, and that’s really how he is on and off the field. Nothing really phases him much.
“He’s very passionate, putting the work in and winning. He’s very passionate about that. He loves the game.”
Borregales is looking forward to connecting with Ward before Sunday’s game.
“I’m excited to see him down there,” Borregales said with a smile. “It’ll be a little different seeing him on the other side of the field, but hey, that’s just how the cookie crumbles.”
Running back Terrell Jennings will get another chance to impress the Patriots coaches, as he was elevated from the practice squad for Sunday's game at Tennessee.
Running back Terrell Jennings will get another chance to impress the Patriots coaches, as he was elevated from the practice squad for Sunday's game at Tennessee.Charles Krupa/Associated Press
Practice pair called up
The Patriots announced Saturday that cornerback Miles Battle and running back Terrell Jennings have been elevated from the practice squad for Sunday’s game.
The 6-foot-3-inch, 197-pound Battle, who has dressed for one previous regular season game this year, affords the Patriots another level of depth in the secondary and on special teams with cornerback Charles Woods (knee) ailing.
Jennings gives New England another option in the backfield behind Rhamondre Stevenson and TreVeyon Henderson. The 6-foot, 217-pounder has dressed for four regular season games since the start of the 2024 season, and has 33 rushing yards on 13 carries. He could also figure into the conversation in the return game as well.
One additional personnel note: wide receiver Stefon Diggs, who had been listed as questionable heading into the weekend with a chest issue, made the trip with the team to Tennessee. Diggs leads the team in receptions (32) and receiving yards (387) through the first six games of the season.
The Titans announced a handful of roster moves in advance of Sunday’s game, including the activation of nose tackle T’Vondre Sweat off injured reserve. The 6-foot-4-inch, 366-pound nose tackle, who suffered an ankle injury in Tennessee’s opener, had 51 tackles (16 solo) and one sack last season with the Titans. In addition, wide receiver Mason Kinsey and linebacker Curtis Jacobs were elevated from the practice squad.
Get out your wallet, mister
The NFL announced that New Orleans defensive end Chris Rumph was fined $15,000 for a facemask penalty he incurred in last week’s game against the Patriots. The infraction took place in the third quarter of the 25-19 win over the Saints.
Christopher Price can be reached at christopher.price@globe.com. Follow him on Bluesky at christopherprice.bsky.social.