- Chig Okonkwo
- #85
- Team TEN
- Pos TE
- Status AActive
-
Leads way in receiving yards
Okonkwo recorded four receptions (on four targets) for 50 yards in Sunday's 34-10 loss to the Bills.
Analysis: Okonkwo has been on the field for at least 55 percent of offensive snaps in four of six games this season, and he had his best game of the season in Sunday's loss while displaying a rapport with Mason Rudolph. He accounted for the team's longest play from scrimmage with a 26-yard catch late in the first quarter that served as the majority of his production. If Rudolph remains under center Week 8 against the Lions, Okonkwo could benefit again, though he had yet to top 16 yards in a game entering…read more
Published: Mon, Oct 21 at 6:49pm by Rotowire.com
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Held to six yards
Okonkwo recorded three receptions (on three targets) for six yards in Sunday's 20-17 loss to the Colts.
Analysis: Okonkwo has seen a stable role in the Titans offense, playing at least 29 snaps in every game this season with no less than a 38 percent snap rate. He matched a season high with three catches, though his longest gain of the day went for just five yards. Overall, Okonkwo has failed to top 16 yards in a contest.
Published: Mon, Oct 14 at 6:15pm by Rotowire.com
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One catch in win
Okonkwo recorded one catch on three targets for five yards in Monday's 31-12 win over the Dolphins.
Analysis: It was another quiet performance for Okonkwo, although he did match his season high in targets. While he out-targeted Josh Whyle 3-1, Okonkwo is still an afterthought for fantasy purposes.
Published: Tue, Oct 1 at 9:57pm by Rotowire.com
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Out-produced by Whyle
Okonkwo recorded two catches (on two targets) for 15 yards in Sunday's 30-14 loss to the Packers.
Analysis: Okonkwo narrowly remained Tennessee's primary tight end by snap count. However, he was out-targeted, 5-2, by Josh Whyle and now has failed to top 16 receiving yards in any of his three games this season. Okonkwo isn't likely to entirely lose his role, but it wouldn't be surprising to see Whyle continue to be the more productive pass catcher moving forward.
Published: Mon, Sep 23 at 1:16pm by Rotowire.com
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Three catches against Jets
Okonkwo recorded three receptions (on three targets) for 16 yards in Sunday's 24-17 loss to the Jets.
Analysis: Okonkwo saw his snap rate dip below 50 percent and narrowly out-produced Josh Whyle. A touchdown propped up Okonkwo's Week 1 stat line, though he now has only 31 yards combined on five catches across two games.
Published: Mon, Sep 16 at 7:44pm by Rotowire.com
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Still has starting role
Okonkwo recorded two receptions (on two targets) for 15 yards and a touchdown in Sunday's 24-17 loss to the Bears.
Analysis: Okonkwo's role was reportedly in danger due to a challenge from Josh Whyle throughout training camp, though he was on the field for 38 offensive snaps (59 percent). Okonkwo also accounted for one of the Titans touchdowns on an impressive 17-yard leaping grab in the back of the end zone. He still isn't likely to see a significant number of targets on a regular basis, but he remains Tennessee's top tight end and could be a favorite target in the red zone.
Published: Mon, Sep 9 at 7:18pm by Rotowire.com
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May be headed for timeshare
Titans head coach Brian Callahan said Wednesday that Okonkwo and Josh Whyle are "two very different kind of tight ends" and both will have roles in the offense, Buck Reising of 104.5 The Zone Nashville reports.
Analysis: Callahan classified Whyle is more of an in-line "Y" tight end and Okonkwo as more of an "F" (move) tight end, which perhaps hints at the latter being more involved than the former as a pass catcher. The team's initial preseason depth chart lists both as starters, a move that attracted some attention after Whyle played only 156 snaps in 11 games as a rookie in 2023. Okonkwo, meanwhile, took 692 snaps in 17 games, but he struggled for much of the season before improving late in the campaign and…read more
Published: Wed, Aug 7 at 7:51am by Rotowire.com
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Modest showing in Week 18
Okonkwo recorded two receptions (on three targets) for 36 yards in Sunday's 28-20 win over the Jaguars.
Analysis: The Titans had a positive game script for much of the contest, which limited passing volume. As a result, Okonkwo had a quiet close to the season. Despite a very inconsistent passing attack in Tennessee, he did manage to take a moderate step forward in his sophomore campaign by tallying 54 receptions for 528 yards and a touchdown. Okonkwo should have a significant role in the offense again in 2024, though his potential volume will ultimately be determined by whether DeAndre Hopkins is back with…read more
Published: Mon, Jan 8 at 7:33pm by Rotowire.com
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Three catches Sunday
Okonkwo caught three passes for 34 yards on four targets in Sunday's 26-3 loss to Houston.
Analysis: Okonkwo tried to do his part Sunday, but the Titans were clearly overmatched from the start. The matchup was complicated when rookie quarterback Will Levis left the game with a foot injury after just six pass attempts, though replacement Ryan Tannehill was effective enough (16 of 20 for 168 yards passing). Though Okonkwo is a talented and consistently effective player for Tennessee, his lack of opportunity in the Tennessee offense is equally consistent. No matter which quarterback lines up…read more
Published: Sun, Dec 31 at 3:07pm by Rotowire.com
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First touchdown of season
Okonkwo recorded six catches on six targets for 63 yards and a touchdown in Sunday's 20-17 loss to the Seahawks.
Analysis: Okonkwo had his best game of the season from both a reception and yardage perspective, though he has topped 60 yards twice in his last four contests. Sunday's performance was highlighted by a 12-yard touchdown catch -- his first of the year -- as well as long gains of 17 and 14 yards. Okonkwo has lacked explosiveness this season, though his involvement has been consistent as he has at least six targets in three of his last four contests.
Published: Sun, Dec 24 at 8:02pm by Rotowire.com
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Good to go for Sunday
Okonkwo (illness) is active for Sunday's game against the Seahawks.
Analysis: Okonkwo carried a questionable tag into the weekend after he was added to the injury report Friday, when he was unable to practice due to the illness. The tight end has apparently made good progress in his recovery since Friday, and the expectation is that he'll be able to handle his usual workload. However, Okonkwo will be working with a new quarterback for the first time since Week 8, as rookie Will Levis (ankle) is inactive for the contest and will give way to veteran Ryan Tannehill.
Published: Sun, Dec 24 at 8:57am by Rotowire.com
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Uncertain to play Sunday
Okonkwo didn't practice Friday due to an illness and is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Seahawks, Jim Wyatt of the Titans' official site reports.
Analysis: After practicing fully Wednesday and Thursday, Okonkwo sat out Friday's session, so his status will need to be monitored ahead of Sunday's 1 p.m. ET kickoff. Okonkwo is one of three Tennessee tight ends carrying a questionable tag, joining Josh Whyle (knee) and Trevon Wesco (shin).
Published: Fri, Dec 22 at 3:28pm by Rotowire.com
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Posts 36 yards in loss
Okonkwo recorded three catches on three targets for 36 yards in Sunday's 19-16 loss to the Texans.
Analysis: Okonkwo entered Sunday's game with at least five targets in three straight games, though the Titans stuck to a run-heavy offensive approach. Will Levis attempted only 26 passes, which limited volume for all of the Titans' pass catchers, including Okonkwo. As a result, he was held below 40 yards for the first time since Week 11. The Titans should be forced into a more aggressive approach in a Week 16 matchup against the Seahawks, meaning Okonkwo could find more opportunity.
Published: Sun, Dec 17 at 7:31pm by Rotowire.com
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Racks up 46 yards
Okonkwo recorded five receptions (on six targets) for 46 yards in Monday's 28-27 win over Miami.
Analysis: Okonkwo continued to see significant involvement in the Tennessee offense, as he now has at least five targets in five of seven games since Will Levis took over as the team's quarterback. Both his longest and most impactful reception came just prior to the two-minute warning in the fourth quarter, when he gained 16 yards to set up Derrick Henry for the game-winning score. Okonkwo now has topped 40 receiving yards in three consecutive games after failing to do so in any of Tennessee's first 10…read more
Published: Mon, Dec 11 at 9:32pm by Rotowire.com
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Continues to see deeper targets
Okonkwo recorded three receptions on six targets for 62 yards in Sunday's 31-28 overtime loss to the Colts.
Analysis: Okonkwo recorded the Titans' longest play from scrimmage on a 39-yard reception on the game's second play. He was held relatively quiet from that point forward, though he did also manage a 12-yard reception in overtime to set up a go-ahead field goal. After struggling to get looks downfield to start the season, Okoknwo has set his best yardage-total marks for the season in consecutive games.
Published: Sun, Dec 3 at 10:44pm by Rotowire.com
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Finally gets downfield looks
Okonkwo recorded four receptions on five targets for 45 yards in Sunday's 17-10 win over the Panthers.
Analysis: Okonkwo tallied his highest yardage total of the season, in large part thanks to a 25-yard reception late in the first quarter. That marked only his second reception of more than 20 yards this season. Okonkwo has at least four targets in eight of 11 games this season, so if he starts to see more downfield looks, he could finally deliver on preseason expectations down the stretch of the campaign.
Published: Sun, Nov 26 at 10:47pm by Rotowire.com
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Disappointing season continues
Okonkwo recorded one reception (on two targets) for six yards in Sunday's 34-14 loss to the Jaguars.
Analysis: Okonkwo saw his lowest target total and production since Week 1, continuing his disappointing 2023 campaign. Though he's tallied at least three catches in seven of 10 games, he's topped 30 receiving yards in a contest only twice.
Published: Mon, Nov 20 at 9:33pm by Rotowire.com
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Three catches against Bucs
Okonkwo recorded three receptions (on six targets) for 27 yards in Sunday's 20-6 loss to the Buccaneers.
Analysis: Even with Will Levis under center, the story remains the same for Okonkwo. Okonkwo has consistent involvement in the offense -- he's earned at least four targets in seven of nine games -- but isn't utilized downfield, as only one of his 27 receptions on the season has gone for more than 20 yards. He now has failed to reach 30 receiving yards in four consecutive contests.
Published: Mon, Nov 13 at 10:07pm by Rotowire.com
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Three grabs in Week 9 loss
Okonkwo brought in three of four targets for 28 yards in the Titans' 20-16 loss to the Steelers on Thursday night.
Analysis: Okonkwo was on the field for 73 percent of the Titans' snaps on offense Thursday, but the athletic tight end's yardage total continued in the same underwhelming range it's typically been this season. Okonkwo has been at 35 yards or less in each game despite serving as the top pass-catching option at tight end, and to this point, he hasn't seen any bump from the switch at quarterback from Ryan Tannehill (ankle) to Will Levis.
Published: Thu, Nov 2 at 9:49pm by Rotowire.com
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Held to 23 yards
Okonkwo recorded four receptions (on six targets) for 23 yards in Sunday's 28-23 win over the Falcons.
Analysis: Okonkwo has at least six targets in two of his last three games, yet he has only 74 yards combined in that span. Even more disappointing is Okonkwo's lack of involvement near the end zone, as he has only two targets inside the 20 and only one inside the 10. Overall, he has failed to top 35 yards in any of his seven contests this season.
Published: Mon, Oct 30 at 8:14pm by Rotowire.com
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Low yardage totals continue
Okonkwo recorded two receptions on four targets for 18 yards in Sunday's 24-16 loss to the Ravens.
Analysis: Okonkwo has seen exactly four targets in three of six games this season, giving him a consistent role in the Tennessee offense. However, his production has been very disappointing, as he's failed to top 30 receiving yards on four occasions. His outlook won't improve if Ryan Tannehill (ankle) is forced to miss time.
Published: Mon, Oct 16 at 7:07pm by Rotowire.com
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Finally gets involved
Okonkwo recorded five receptions on nine targets for 33 yards in Sunday's 23-16 loss to the Colts.
Analysis: Okonkwo entered Sunday's matchup having failed to command more than four targets in any contest. While he saw his opportunity tick up, he didn't deliver on his chances as he managed only 3.7 yards per target. Okonkwo was a potential breakout candidate in his second season as a pro, though he has yet to surpass 35 receiving yards through five games.
Published: Sun, Oct 8 at 9:15pm by Rotowire.com
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Another three empty catches
Okonkwo recorded three catches (on three targets) for 29 yards in Sunday's 27-3 win over the Bengals.
Analysis: Okonkwo has at least three receptions in each of his last three games, though he's managed to top 30 receiving yards only once in that span. The Titans offense will continue to run through Derrick Henry, and the passing attack will center around DeAndre Hopkins, which leaves limited production available for peripheral options such as Okonkwo.
Published: Mon, Oct 2 at 6:43pm by Rotowire.com
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No production on three catches
Okonkwo recorded three catches on four targets for seven yards in Sunday's 27-3 loss to Cleveland.
Analysis: Okonkwo finished tied for the third on the team in targets, though he ultimately failed to reach double-digit receiving yards for the second time in three games to begin the season. His place in priority for targets combined with the state of the Titans' passing attack suggest that Okonkwo will struggle to produce consistently.
Published: Mon, Sep 25 at 7:46pm by Rotowire.com
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Tallies first catches of season
Okonkwo recorded four receptions on four targets for 35 yards in Sunday's 27-24 overtime win over the Chargers.
Analysis: Okonkwo was targeted only twice and failed to record a catch Week 1, though he bounced back for a decent performance against the Chargers. His primary contribution came early in the third quarter when he caught a short pass over the middle of the field before dragging defenders for a gain of 20 yards. Okonkwo will likely see inconsistent volume when the entire Tennessee receiving corps is healthy, but he continues to prove capable of making big plays when given a chance.
Published: Mon, Sep 18 at 8:23pm by Rotowire.com
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Blanked in Week 1
Okonkwo did not record a reception on two targets in Sunday's 16-15 loss to the Saints.
Analysis: Okonkwo was a breakout candidate for much of the offseason, though those hopes were seemingly derailed by the addition of DeAndre Hopkins. That came to fruition in Week 1, as Hopkins dominated with 13 targets on only 33 catchable pass attempts from Ryan Tannehill. Okonkwo could become a threat in the red zone, but he'll likely face a difficult path to seeing consistent targets.
Published: Mon, Sep 11 at 6:40pm by Rotowire.com
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Returning to practice
Okonkwo (leg) will return to practice Monday, Paul Kuharsky of PaulKuharsky.com reports.
Analysis: The Titans never expected Okonkwo to be out for long even though he missed the final preseason game. He's expected to be the team's top pass-catching TE and now has two full weeks to prepare for a Week 1 game in New Orleans.
Published: Mon, Aug 28 at 9:34am by Rotowire.com
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Should return soon
Coach Mike Vrabel said Saturday that he expects Okonkwo (leg) will return to practice this week, John Glennon of SI.com reports.
Analysis: Okonkwo was held out of Friday's preseason win over the Patriots after suffering a minor leg injury during joint practices leading up to the game. He should be fine for Week 1 at New Orleans and could even be the second option in Tennessee's passing game (behind WR DeAndre Hopkins) if WR Treylon Burks (knee) is still bothered by an LCL injury.
Published: Sat, Aug 26 at 10:24am by Rotowire.com
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Sees preseason action
Okonkwo recorded one reception on three targets for 19 yards in Saturday's 24-16 preseason victory over the Vikings.
Analysis: Okonkwo made his 2023 preseason debut, though he worked with Malik Willis as Ryan Tannehill sat out. He didn't show great rapport with Willis, though he still managed to tally one significant gain. Okonkwo should be more involved in the offense during his second professional season, particularly if Treylon Burks (knee) is forced to miss any time.
Published: Sat, Aug 19 at 10:17pm by Rotowire.com
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Records third TD of season
Okonkwo gathered in three of four targets for 42 yards and a touchdown during Saturday's 20-16 loss in Jacksonville.
Analysis: Okonkwo's 21-yard connection with quarterback Joshua Dobbs for a touchdown with 5:32 remaining in the second quarter pushed the Titans to their largest lead of the game at 10-0 after a successful PAT by Randy Bullock. Otherwise, Okonkwo mostly was held in check as Dobbs mustered just 179 yards through the air. A rookie fourth-round pick, Okonkwo really came on in the second half of the season to finish it with 32 catches (on 46 targets) for 450 yards and three TDs. He'll now turn his attention…read more
Published: Sat, Jan 7 at 9:38pm by Rotowire.com
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Three catches in loss
Okonkwo made three catches on four targets for 24 yards in Thursday's 27-13 loss to the Cowboys.
Analysis: Okonkwo showed immediate rapport with Joshua Dobbs, catching a pair of passes for 24 yards on the Titans' opening drive. He disappeared for the majority of the rest of the contest, though the switch from Malik Willis to Dobbs appeared to be an upgrade for Okonkwo's chances to produce. Regardless of the quarterback, Okonkwo has at least three receptions in five of his last six games.
Published: Fri, Dec 30 at 8:51pm by Rotowire.com
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Production stalls
Okonkwo recorded one reception on two targets for 10 yards in Saturday's 19-14 loss to the Texans.
Analysis: The entire Titans' passing attack was underwhelming with Malik Willis under center in place of Ryan Tannehill (ankle). Okonkwo was no exception, as he posted his lowest yardage total since Week 8. While he's shown promise in the second half of his rookie season, Okonkwo may find it difficult to produce consistently across the final two games of the campaign.
Published: Sun, Dec 25 at 3:44pm by Rotowire.com
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Four grabs against Bolts
Okonkwo caught four of five targets for 54 yards in Sunday's 17-14 loss to the Chargers.
Analysis: The rookie tight end tied Derrick Henry for the team lead in catches on a day when the Titans passing game couldn't get much going. Okonkwo has caught at least three passes in four straight games after managing only eight receptions over his first 10 NFL contests, a streak he'll look to extend in Week 16 against the Texans.
Published: Sun, Dec 18 at 7:02pm by Rotowire.com
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Breakout continues
Okonkwo recorded six receptions on six targets for 45 yards and a touchdown in Sunday's 36-22 loss to the Jaguars.
Analysis: Okonkwo was praised by offensive coordinator Todd Downing leading up to Sunday's matchup, and the rookie tight end delivered. He was relied upon heavily by Ryan Tannehill, finishing third on the team in targets behind Nick Westbrook-Ikhine and Robert Woods. Okonkwo made the most of that opportunity, hauling in a 10-yard touchdown and also converting a two-point conversion midway through the fourth quarter. He could see his role slip once Treylon Burks (concussion) can return, but Okonkwo now…read more
Published: Sun, Dec 11 at 7:31pm by Rotowire.com
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Earns larger role
Offensive coordinator Todd Downing said Thursday that Okonkwo has earned more opportunities, and the Titans have looked at drawing up more ways to get him the football, Turron Davenport of ESPN.com reports.
Analysis: Austin Hooper remains the Titans' starting tight end and continues to hold an important role as a blocker and short-yardage target, but Okonkwo, a fourth-round rookie out of Maryland, appears poised to poach more work from both Hooper and Geoff Swaim. For the first time all season in the Week 13 loss to the Eagles, Okonkwo played more snaps (31) than both Hooper (26) and Swaim (20), finishing the day with four receptions for 68 yards on five targets. Okonkwo has now drawn five targets in…read more
Published: Thu, Dec 8 at 11:49am by Rotowire.com
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Emerging as deep threat
Okonkwo recorded four receptions on five targets for 68 yards in Sunday's 35-10 loss to the Eagles.
Analysis: Okonkwo recorded a career high in receptions and yards in the Titans' blowout loss, though the majority of his production came before garbage time. He caught a deep pass down the middle of the field in the second quarter, and he then shed a defender and turned upfield for a 41-yard gain. Though Austin Hooper is still the team's primary tight end, Okonkwo now has one reception of 40 or more yards in three of his last five games.
Published: Sun, Dec 4 at 8:39pm by Rotowire.com
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Career-best five targets
Okonkwo recorded three receptions on five targets for 35 yards in Sunday's 20-16 loss to the Bengals.
Analysis: Okonkwo saw his most significant involvement in the Titans offense this season in terms of targets. He's been efficient with his opportunity this season, and that remained the case against the Bengals as he tallied receptions of 17 and 12 yards. Okonkwo now has seen multiple targets in five consecutive games after achieving that only once in his first six matchups.
Published: Mon, Nov 28 at 7:15pm by Rotowire.com
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Makes lone catch count
Okonkwo recorded one reception on three targets for 48 yards in Sunday's 20-17 loss to the Chiefs.
Analysis: Okonkwo got off to a hot start, as he recorded his lone catch on a quick screen on Tennessee's first play from scrimmage. Despite the hot start, he saw only 18 offensive snaps -- his lowest total since the team's bye in Week 6. Okonkwo has six receptions for 100 yards and a touchdown across the first eight games of his career.
Published: Mon, Nov 7 at 5:50pm by Rotowire.com
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First career touchdown
Okonkwo recorded three receptions on three targets for 38 yards and a touchdown in Sunday's 24-17 victory over the Colts.
Analysis: Okonkwo had one catch across the first three games of his rookie season. However, Austin Hooper was dealing with a neck injury throughout the week, which may have opened the door for Okonkwo to serve in a bigger role in the Titans' offense. Okonkwo took advantage by catching his first career touchdown on an eight-yard reception midway through the second quarter. He also chipped in a long gain of 23 yards that led to a Derrick Henry touchdown run. It may be premature to say Okonkwo has taken…read more
Published: Sun, Oct 2 at 9:19pm by Rotowire.com
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Making case for role
Okonkwo tallied three receptions on three targets for 22 yards in Saturday's 26-23 preseason win over the Cardinals.
Analysis: Okonkwo showed some rapport with rookie Malik Willis, tallying catches of 10 and six yards. He'll almost certainly begin the season behind Austin Hooper on the depth chart, but he could ultimately surpass Geoff Swaim for an offensive role at some point during the campaign. Okonkwo was praised for his work on special teams by coach Mike Vrabel, which will also be a path for him to see significant time on the field.
Published: Mon, Aug 29 at 8:02pm by Rotowire.com
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Finds end zone
Okonkwo recorded one catch on two targets for six yards and a touchdown in Saturday's preseason win over Tampa Bay.
Analysis: Okonkwo played 25 offensive snaps and 11 on special teams. He made the most of his two targets, catching a short touchdown in the middle of the end zone to tally his first score as a Titan. Okonkwo will likely serve as offensive depth in his rookie season, but he could put in plenty of work on special teams.
Published: Mon, Aug 22 at 5:36pm by Rotowire.com
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