There were a few big names among the Tennessee Titans cuts to 53 players on Friday.
Two of the first cuts made were wide receiver Justin Hunter and running back Bishop Sankey, both former second-round picks by the Titans. In a bit of a surprise move, the Titans also released veteran running back and kick returner Dexter McCluster, who had drawn praise from head coach Mike Mularkey.
That means that rookie safety Kevin Byard and receiver Tre McBride are the in-house candidates to handle punts and kickoffs now.
Hunter, a second-round pick in 2013, was let go as the Titans were disappointed that he did not have the consistency that they were looking for in their wide receiver group.
Sankey was let go as the Titans have fortified their rushing attack with DeMarco Murray and Derrick Henry and look potentially to have Antonio Andrews as their last back. Andrews had two rushing touchdowns in the win over Miami Thursday night.
Third-rounder Jeremiah Poutasi became the fifth member of the Titans 2015 draft class to be shown the door, when he was let go on Friday as well. A source indicated that Poutasi would be a strong practice squad candidate if he clears waivers.
The Titans also cut cornerback Kalan Reed, who had been Mr. Irrelevant in the 2016 draft class. Reed had made a strong bid for a cornerback position in the Titans secondary as a backup. The Titans tried him on returns vs. Miami, but he had two fumbles.
The Titans waived safety Marqueston Huff, rather than place him on the suspended list for one-game after the league idled him for the season opener.
The following is a list of players who have been released.
WR Justin Hunter
RB Bishop Sankey
LB Curtis Grant
OG Jeremiah Poutasi
LB J.R.Tavai
OT Will Poehls
FB Sam Bergen
CB Kalan Reed
WR Ben Roberts
S Marqueston Huff
TE Alex Ellis
TE Jerome Cunningham
CB B.W. Webb
RB David Fluellen
DT Antwaun Woods
RB Dexter McCluster
C Ronald Patrick
T Tyler Marz
WR Andrew Turzilli
K Aldrick Rosas
S Curtis Riley
LB Justin Staples
