How Rashad Weaver is making an impact at Titans camp
NASHVILLE — Edge rusher Rashad Weaver's rookie season was all but scrapped to injury. Heading into his third NFL season with the Tennessee Titans, Weaver is looking to make up for lost time. "I like to just view it as Year 2," Weaver said on 104.5 The Zone. "I lost that Year 1. Vet in […]
NASHVILLE — Edge rusher Rashad Weaver's rookie season was all but scrapped to injury. Heading into his third NFL season with the Tennessee Titans, Weaver is looking to make up for lost time.
"I like to just view it as Year 2," Weaver said on 104.5 The Zone. "I lost that Year 1. Vet in the mind, but still (Year 2) on the body. I'm excited, ready. A lot to look forward to."
Weaver received a trial-by-fire last season when veteran Harold Landry tore his ACL in practice the week before Tennessee opened at home against the New York Giants. Between the loss of Landry and former teammate Bud Dupree's consistent absence from the line-up, Weaver went from a total of 12 snaps as a rookie to 640.
The former fourth-round pick out of Pitt will get to operate out of more a reserve role this year.
"Weav (Rashad Weaver), he's got a certain playstyle," coach Mike Vrabel said. "He’s got great length, he knows how to use it and then he plays extremely hard. He's not going to be the fastest player out there. But he goes hard and he's got length. I appreciate that he knows who he is. I think his maturity, I think his strength, I think his body has changed."
Landry has returned to Titans camp in top form nearly one year removed from his season-ending injury.
Tennessee also signed pass rusher Arden Key to a three-year, $21 million deal in free agency to replace Dupree. Weaver was among several players on the 2022 roster that saw extended playing time due to injuries ahead of them on the depth chart. It allowed him to reassess his game, and head into this offseason with a plan focused on strength training.
"Workouts for three hours in the weight room, where you lay on the ground and say: 'I hate this' every day," Weaver said of his regimen this Spring. "And on the off days you go run hills. 50-yard sprints up the hills. That's working your speed and your leg strength and your drive.
"I know it's working because I can feel the difference. The easiest way to know something is working is when you see the difference or other people see the difference in you and they make remarks about you."
Thus far in training camp, people have had plenty to say about Weaver.
Featured Image: USA TODAY Sports.
