Titans WR Kyle Philips has big plans for the 2023 offseason
After his highly anticipated rookie season was derailed by injuries in 2022, Tennessee Titans wide receiver Kyle Philips has plans to take a big step forward this offseason. Philips was drafted by the Titans in the fifth round of the 2022 NFL Draft out of UCLA, and the team had high hopes that he could […]
After his highly anticipated rookie season was derailed by injuries in 2022, Tennessee Titans wide receiver Kyle Philips has plans to take a big step forward this offseason.
Philips was drafted by the Titans in the fifth round of the 2022 NFL Draft out of UCLA, and the team had high hopes that he could make an immediate impact as a punt returner. But as training camp went on, it became apparent that Philips was also carving out a role for himself to be productive in the Titans' offense.
During camp, Philips developed an excellent rapport with quarterback Ryan Tannehill, and quickly became one of Tannehill's go-to targets. That played out during the regular season opener against the New York Giants when Philips had six catches for 66 receiving yards. His nine targets in that game led all players, and his big catch in crunch time almost won the game for Tennessee.
Unfortunately, that game against the Giants would be the first and last time Philips would be full healthy on the season. Philips sustained a shoulder injury during that diving catch in the final seconds of the game that would drastically alter the trajectory of his season.
Philips played just 33 offensive snaps in the 16 games that followed, dealing with shoulder and hamstring issues. When a player misses that much time, it's easy to forget what they could be capable of with a clean bill of health. Philips has not lost confidence in his abilities, though, and he is now coming into the offseason with a chip on his shoulder (no pun intended) and a purpose: Gain weight and get durable.
"I know I can play in this league, and play at this level," Philips said. "I just know I left a lot out there this year, which gives me a lot of motivation coming into the offseason to come back and have a great season."
A big part of taking that step and having a great season in 2023 will be Philips' ability to get healthy, gain weight, and be more durable moving forward. Philips hopes to come into the 2023 season between 190 and 195 pounds, over 10 pounds more than he was weighing at the start of the 2022 season.
"My main focus is getting big, staying explosive and getting a little more explosive," said Philips. "It's a man's league, and I am definitely not on the bigger side of the scale when it comes to that. So, I need to put some more muscle on me and be more durable for the season and just stay healthy."
Philips told Titans media after the season that he already had a plan in place for his training back home (San Marcos, CA) to alter his diet and add the necessary weight.
Kyle Philips back and healthy for the Titans in 2023 cannot be overlooked. He has already shown his ability to be an offensive weapon in the slot and a dangerous punt returner. Those are two things Tennessee needs desperately next season and will rely on Philips for as he gets a second attempt at breakout stardom.
Image via George Walker IV / Tennessean.com-USA TODAY NETWORK
