Kyle Philips was looking poised for a stellar rookie campaign with the Tennessee Titans in 2022 before injuries derailed his season early. 

After shining in training camp and preseason action, Philips proved he has what it takes to succeed in the NFL with his six catch, 66 yard performance in Week 1 against the New York Giants that also included a 46-yard punt return. Philips capped off his NFL debut with a 21-yard reception that put the Titans in range to attempt a game-winning field goal.

But as Philips came down with that catch, he suffered a shoulder injury. That was one of multiple injuries sustained over the course of the season that would force him to miss 13 of Tennessee's 17 contests. Philips had just two catches after Week 1.

I don't think it's unrealistic to expect a lot more of the Kyle Philips we saw against New York for the 2023 season. The hype around Philips during training camp last fall was deserved. His route-running and footwork help him create easy seperation at the line of scrimmage and his chemistry with Ryan Tannehill is strong. He was the go-to option in live periods of practice, and that carried over into his first NFL game. Treylon Burks may have something to say about Philips being Tannehill's favorite target this season, but there is no reason to think that connection won't still be solid.  

Questions about Philips do not surround his abilities as a route-runner or pass-catcher. It was abundantly clear in 2022 that if Philips could stay on the field, he would have a really big role in Tennessee's 2023 offense, which is why gaining weight was such a point of emphasis for Philips this offseason. 

The good news for Titans fans? Philips appears to have added the missing piece to his game over the last few months, telling Jim Wyatt of TennesseeTitans.com recently that he has improved his diet and added almost 10 pounds.

"I don't get hurt too often, but it happened and it's out of the way now. I was able to take what I could from it, grow from it, and learn going forward," Philips told Wyatt. "This offseason has been putting good healthy weight on, learning this offense, conditioning, running routes and getting used to new teammates. I want to put some good weight on, but I don't want to lose my quickness and my speed. I'm going to try to keep it going, but just keep it a steady process."

Wyatt wrote on the team website that Philips started the 2022 season weighing around 180 pounds, and while he is currently listed 189, Philips plans to kick off the 2023 season between 190 and 195.

The only concern with Philips gaining weight is that he doesn't lose his quickness and speed. But if he's able to maintain those traits while playing heavier, it's likely to help him stay healthy.

"I think for him, as long as he keeps what makes him special – his short-area quickness, he has really good route imagination, his ability to create separation – it's a good thing," said Titans wide receiver coach Rob Moore to Jim Wyatt. "I think as long as those things don't get affected, I am okay with that." As of now, there is no reason to worry. Ryan Tannehill told Wyatt that Philips is "moving really well" right now. 

If Tennessee can get a consistently healthy Kyle Philips in 2023, it will be massive for a wide receiver room that needs playmakers. I can't help but imagine how fun a wide receiver room with Philips, Treylon Burks, and DeAndre Hopkins would be when at full strength. The Titans could have something really dangerous if that winds up being their group.

WR Kyle Philips is the Titans X-Factor in 2023: Film Breakdown

In this film breakdown, we take a look at Tennessee Titans 2nd-year WR Kyle Philips, who was practically unguardable last year before his season ended due to injury.