NASHVILLE — With the NFL making a sudden change to the league gambling policy and gambling suspensions, Tennessee Titans right tackle Nicholas Petit-Frere is being reinstated and will return to practice this week.

It’s no secret that, at least through the first four games of the season, the Titans offensive line has been less than stellar. On paper, Petit-Frere’s return would seemingly give the Titans a big boost up front and allow them to reshuffle the deck.

But does it make sense to make a change on the offensive line?

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Titans head coach Mike Vrabel spoke to the media on Monday and was asked about the NFL’s decision to reinstate Petit-Frere's, the play of current starter Chris Hubbard, and his philosophy about incumbent starters reassuming their positions.

From everything Vrabel said, I got the vibe that Tennessee's plans for the offensive line may not be what everyone expects.

"Yeah, we haven't seen him for a while, since training camp," said Mike Vrabel of Petit-Frere. "The league made a decision on what they felt like they wanted to do. We'll hopefully get an exemption for him and practice him and see where he's at as we work closer to the game. Nic's (Nicholas Petit-Frere) been away for a little bit. He was with us in training camp. We'll see where things go. I like the way that Chris (Hubbard) is playing over there. We'll just see how he looks this week."

As the starter at right tackle through four games, Chris Hubbard has only allowed six total pressures and has a PFF run blocking grade of 72.8. That's 16th best among NFL offensive tackles who have played 50 percent of offensive snaps this season.

Hubbard has been more than serviceable on the field and Vrabel has been very complimentary of Hubbard's leadership and mentality. Vrabel singled out Hubbard and labeled him a "great addition" just a little over a week ago.

So what are the Titans going to do? For starters, I fully anticipate Hubbard to be the starter at right tackle this Sunday in Indianapolis. As Vrabel pointed out, Petit-Frere hasn't been in the building or on the practice field since training camp. Getting him up to speed in the offense could take some time and the Titans' coaching staff will have to assess where he's at.

But even once NPF has some practices under his belt. I also don't think it's as black and white as "Okay, Petit-Frere is ready, therefore he's taking over." I'm bullish on Petit-Frere's future in the NFL, but if Hubbard continues to play well and the offensive line has another solid day in Indiana[polis, I'm not sure I'd like the Titans making a change and rocking the boat.

As I just pointed out, Hubbard has been really solid and neither him or Petit-Frere have much NFL experience as a left tackle. NPF did not play a single snap at left tackle during his rookie year. Hubbard has 128 snaps at left tackle in the league, which is nothing compared to his 3,142 snaps played on the right side. If the Titans did decide to move Andre Dillard to the bench, it's hard to say who would replace him.

When a player like Peter Skoronski returns from injury, they're immediately going to resume their previous role. But as far as right tackle goes, Chris Hubbard might just keep his spot as long as he continues to earn it. 

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