Why you should be optimistic about an A.J. Brown-less Titans wide receiver room

Welcome to Talkin’ Titans. This is Titans beat reporter Ben Arthur.

The Titans’ extension talks with A.J. Brown soured to a point this spring to where Tennessee felt it had to trade the star wideout.

But that thrust the wide receiver room into uncertainty.

Robert Woods, acquired from the Rams to be the No. 2 receiver, would have to be the No. 1 option — coming off a torn ACL.

And first-round pick Treylon Burks added more concern when he battled asthma and conditioning issues in the offseason program.

Since training camp started, though, there have been reasons for optimism.

The positive strides Woods showed in ACL rehab during the spring have continued into the summer. The knee brace is off. He’s nearly full-go in team drills with no visible issues exploding off of his surgically repaired left knee.

Burks has looked good, despite rumors of the contrary. He hasn’t missed a training camp practice. He’s made a handful of impressive catches, showcasing the attributes that made him a first-round pick.

Fifth-round rookie Kyle Philips, who cooled off after a stellar start to rookie minicamp in May, has gained the trust of quarterback Ryan Tannehill with his ability to get open.

Second-year receivers Racey McMath and Dez Fitzpatrick have earned praise, too: McMath for opening eyes as a deep threat in team periods, Fitzpatrick for his maturity and embrace of the details in Year 2.

Much has been made about Tennessee’s lack of back-end depth at receiver. If McMath's and Fitzpatrick’s growth is any indication, that may be a moot point.

Entering this offseason, the Titans sought to bolster their receiver room with Brown. They’re now trying to make it better without him.

It’s a daunting task. But there are too many positive signs to not at least be cautiously optimistic.

What else you should know

The Titans start preseason play tonight on the road against the Ravens (6:30 p.m. on WKRN). Here are a few stories to get you ready for the game:

• How to watch the action in Baltimore

• 8 Titans tidbits to keep an eye on Thursday

• My takeaways from the latest training camp practice

📧 Any questions or thoughts as the Titans' preseason gets underway? I'd be happy to answer. My email is BArthur@tennessean.com.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Why you should be optimistic in a an A.J. Brown-less Titans WR room