After a week of free agency, the NFL now shifts its focus to the NFL Draft. Teams are checking on the health of players already on their rosters while also evaluating contingency plans.
The Tennessee Titans have spent the offseason waiting for clarity on star quarterback Cam Ward. Ward suffered a shoulder injury last season that required a lengthy recovery.
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The Titans are not trying to replace Ward, but they did add Mitchell Trubisky as insurance. On Friday, they received a major update.
Tennessee Titans quarterback Cam Ward (1) looks for a receiver during the fourth quarter against the New Orleans Saints at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Sunday, Dec. 28, 2025.
Ward has officially been cleared to start throwing again. This marks a significant step forward, as AC joint injuries can take up to three months to heal before players resume normal activity.
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Ward will work with an entirely new coaching staff in Tennessee in 2026. Although the Titans finished with only three wins in 2025, his play at quarterback gave the team plenty of encouragement.
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His 15 touchdowns often looked like highlight-reel plays. Week after week, Ward delivered moments that easily could have landed on SportsCenter’s Top 10.
Jan 4, 2026; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Tennessee Titans quarterback Cam Ward (1) throws a pass against the Jacksonville Jaguars during the first quarter at EverBank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Morgan Tencza-Imagn Images
Unfortunately, Ward did not have a strong supporting cast. The Titans fired his head coach during the season, his wide receivers underperformed, and the offensive line struggled immensely.
If Ward stays healthy, he could become a major difference-maker in the 2026 season. His new offensive coordinator, Brian Daboll, has a track record of getting the most out of young quarterbacks.
Now the question becomes: can Ward and Daboll elevate the Titans offense and push Tennessee into AFC South contention?
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