Kenny Britt Injury: Is Titans RB Chris Johnson Team's Only Weapon Without WR?

Kenny Britt came roaring out of the gates this season ready to cement himself as one of the NFL’s elite receivers. Through two weeks, Britt had done just that, with two exceptional 130-plus yard performances. However, midway through the second quarter, Britt endured a severe injury and was carted to the locker room, seemingly sidelined for at least the rest of today’s action.

The loss of a young and emerging offensive star like Kenny Britt would be a huge blow to any team, but just how limited will the Tennessee Titans be on offense without him?

The national perspective will likely converge rapidly on the idea that Chris Johnson will have to serve as the lone remaining weapon on Tennessee offense.

However, this is not really accurate, as the Titans, once known almost exclusively for defense and running the ball, have quietly accumulated a group of very capable offensive skill players.

Nate Washington, who has been perpetually cast as a second or third banana at best, is off to one of the best season starts of his career. He has always had the legs to be a great deep threat, but his hands have been generally suspect. That appears to have changed over this offseason, as Washington has quickly gelled with Matt Hasselbeck.

Another name that is still only on the periphery of the national conversation is Jared Cook, the big, fast tight end who plays like a wide receiver. His talent is unquestionable, though his stats have yet to reflect it on a consistent basis. To this point, the culprit behind the disparity between his talent and production has appeared to be schematic, as the Titans have yet to find a way to exploit the mismatches he creates all over the field.

Also from the “all potential, no production” file is Lavelle Hawkins.  He is quickly approaching the end of his tenure in Tennessee and perhaps the NFL after three seasons of not being able to get on the field in a fairly mediocre group of WRs. Hawkins is shifty and quick, and has the skills to really hurt teams from the slot. His problems have always been characterized as mental. However, Hawkins appears to have found a new lease on life with the new coaching staff. If ever there was a time for him to prove himself in the NFL, the time is now.

While the Titans are generally not known for offensive firepower, NFL observers would be wise to take a look at some of the younger skill players on the Titans offense before jumping to the conclusion that Chris Johnson is all that is left without Kenny Britt.