As Titans open training camp, one big question emerges: Where is Vic Beasley?
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — After an offseason unlike any other, Titans training camp finally opened for veterans Tuesday. For most players, that meant COVID-19 testing before being allowed in the team facility.
But Vic Beasley appeared on the reserve–did not report list, meaning he was a no-show on the first day of training camp. There were other Titans placed on various lists — wide receiver Corey Davis and inside linebacker Jayon Brown on PUP, rookie offensive lineman Isaiah Wilson on reserve–COVID-19 — but no case was more curious than Beasley's.
The Titans signed the 28-year-old outside linebacker and No. 8 overall pick in 2015 to a one-year, $9.5 million deal in March. Beasley has 37 1/2 sacks through his first five NFL seasons, including a league-leading 15 1/2 in 2016. His production dipped in recent years, but his potential was enough for the Titans to hand him a prove-it deal as they eyed improving their pass rush.
“Just thought there was an ability, a skill set there that we can hone,” Titans general manager Jon Robinson said of the former Atlanta Falcon in April. “I think (Titans coach Mike Vrabel) can work with Vic along with outside linebackers coach Shane Bowen and hopefully take him to another level.”
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To this point, there's no indication why Beasley hasn't shown up to Titans camp.
NFL Network's Ian Rapoport said in a tweet that Beasley on Wednesday missed a second consecutive day of camp. Rapoport reported there has been "no communication on why or where he is."
Vrabel spoke with Titans reporters Tuesday, but that Zoom conference call came before the team announced later in the day that it had placed Beasley on the reserve–did not report list.
Might he be considering opting out of the 2020 season due to coronavirus concerns like a handful of other players across the league, including Titans offensive lineman Anthony McKinney? He would have until next week to make that decision.
Or perhaps this goes back to the questions he faced in Atlanta concerning his motivation.
Beasley wound up training away from the Falcons' team facility during last offseason's organized team activities, which Atlanta coach Dan Quinn at the time called "a bummer," according to Mike Bell of the Atlanta-based 92.9 The Game.
“I’m not going to comment on what was done, or what wasn’t done in Atlanta,” Vrabel said in April about Beasley. “Our job is to have the vision for the player and coach him, and hold him to a standard that’s expected of our players. ... We’re focused on moving forward with Vic, with a skill set that we like, with a player that can run and have some speed, some explosiveness, some versatility.”