Kristian

Fulton

Fulton was forced to take a prove-it deal with the Chargers after another disappointing year in Tennessee. The former second-round pick struggled throughout his rookie contract. Pro Football Focus gave him a coverage grade over 60 just once in four years. Fulton also missed time in every season, topping out at 13 games. He most recently ended the 2023 on injured reserve because of a hamstring issue. Even after another quiet season, Fulton could end up starting for the Chargers if they don’t make any significant additions to their secondary via the draft.

Fulton told reporters that the news came as a surprise to him, and it will likely end his playing career in Tennessee with his contract up at the end of the season. Fulton started 11 of the 12 games he played in 2023, totaling 46 tackles, five passes defended, and two tackles for a loss. Without Fulton, the Titans will continue to use second-year player Tre Avery at cornerback alongside Sean Murphy-Bunting and Roger McCreary. The team also put defensive tackle Kyle Peko on the injured reserve and signed defensive linemen Quinton Bohanna and Keondre Coburn off the practice squads of the Detroit Lions and Kansas City Chiefs, respectively.

The two defensive players are primary contributors, making the matchup that much better for the Miami offense against a run defense that has not performed to the same level as in years past. Expect tight end Trevon Wesco to see a slight uptick in snaps in the absence of Whyle.

In addition to Fulton, safety Amani Hooker (concussion) has also been ruled out. This could open the door for the Chargers to have a big day through the air against a Titans defense that allowed Derek Carr to throw for 305 yards in Week 1. Justin Herbert, Keenan Allen, and Mike Williams could all be in for big days with Fulton and Hooker both out.

Fulton was a surprising no-show to OTAs, and it’s pretty rare that you see the team website drop something so opinionated on the matter. Coming off a groin injury that sidelined him for most of the end of the season, Fulton enters his contract year as a likely starter for the Titans.

Fulton has not played since suffering the injury in Week 13, but got in three limited practices this week and will likely be active in a winner-take-all AFC South match against the Jaguars. It will be a slight boost to Tennessee’s passing defense to get their best cornerback back.

He’s not practiced since suffering the groin injury in Week 13, and obviously hasn’t suited up either. It would not be stunning if Fulton went to IR over the holidays. The Titans started John Reid last week in his stead, and will have to go even deeper into the reserve well with Terrance Mitchell (hamstring) also ruled out.

Fulton has been dealing with a groin injury and will miss his second game because of the issue. He wasn’t seeing many reps on defense before going down with the injury, so the loss isn’t notable for the Titans.

Fulton suffered the groin injury against the Eagles last week, left and did not return. He didn’t practice at any point this week and he’s likely questionable for Week 15 at this point. The Titans will use more Tre Avery and Terrance Mitchell in Fulton’s absence.

Fulton has dealt with hamstring issues all season but has played 96% of Tennessee’s defensive snaps. He told reporters at his locker that he’d have to see with the training staff where he was at on Monday. He felt like he was at risk of making it worse by playing through the injury. Fulton’s status for Week 14 against the Jaguars is in question.