A lingering ankle injury has prevented veteran WR Roydell Williams from making much of an impact this preseason. The bothersome ankle ended Roydell’s brief six-play appearance during Friday’s loss to the Falcons.
According to recent media reports, Roydell’s chances of contributing as a Titan in 2008 may come down to this week, as the team prepares to trim its roster.
The return of offensive coordinator Mike Heimerdinger has ushered in a “past doesn’t buy you anything” attitude. Instead of riding the coattails of what they’ve done in the past, the returning Titan receivers have had to prove their mettle all over again to the new offensive sheriff in town.
While the rest of the receivers have had an ample amount of time to impress Dinger, Roydell’s opportunity to make a positive first impression has been limited due to the ankle injury that ended his 2007 season.
Putting Roydell on the injured reserve list may not be a viable option, considering that his contract ends after 2008. It doesn’t make a lot of sense to keep a guy around on IR if he’s going to leave as a free agent next year.
Cutting Roydell would take away the services of a player who tied for the team lead in receptions in 2007. Outside of the enigma also known as Brandon Jones, the rest of the receivers are relatively young guys with little or no experience.
Under the potential circumstances of Roydell being kicked to the curb, I’d have to think that the Titans would bring in a veteran to replace his presence on the roster. Joe Horn, Eric Parker, Eddie Kennison and Ashley Lelie are vets who are either unemployed or on the verge of being cut that may be able to contribute to an NFL roster.
Since acquiring Anquan Boldin is probably a pipe-dream, the guy that I’d like to see the Titans go after is Devery Henderson, who may be the odd man out in a fierce WR battle in New Orleans.
Henderson is a speed guy who has averaged over twenty yards per reception during his three years in the NFL. His hands are questionable at times, but he is a player who can stretch the defense and his speed would be an asset on a Titan team that lacks a burner at the position.
Personally, I’d like the best of both worlds in the WR scenario. I’d love for the Titans to keep Williams, a guy who had somewhat of a breakthrough 3rd season in 2007. Roydell stepped up when the team needed him the most last year, as he caught 14 passes while scoring two touchdowns in the final three games of the regular season, which were all must-win contests.
I’d also like to see the team get a guy from the outside, like a Henderson, who unlike players such as Paul Williams and to a lesser degree Biren Ealy, has displayed the ability to contribute in the NFL.
Back to the original question: should Roydell stay or go?
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