Roydell Williams, Lowry among final Titans cuts

The Tennessee Titans trimmed their roster to 53 players by Saturday’s deadlines, letting go of six players who had played for the team last season as well, including former starting wide receiver Roydell Williams.

Williams caught 55 passes for the Titans a year ago, but broke his ankle during the week of practice in preparation for the playoffs against the San Diego Chargers last season.

He had a pin and screws inserted into the ankle and was slow to recover during the off-season and started training camp on the physically unable to perform list.

Williams’ release was still a bit surprising, however, as none of the receivers below him on the depth chart, including Paul Williams and Chris Davis, distinguished themselves during the preseason.

“We had to let some players go today that have been part of our program which is not easy. They were tough decisions, but we made the decisions that we thought were in the best interest of the club and I am aware that some of these players will resurface somewhere else in the league,” Fisher said.

Williams’ release also means the Titans could likely face a grievance over letting him go, as the receiver was still walking with a limp at times on the practice field.

Others released in final cuts included safety Calvin Lowry, defensive tackles Eric Taylor and Antonio Johnson, defensive end Sean Conover, wide receiver Biren Ealy, tight end Jamie Petrowski, tight end/fullback Casey Cramer and fullback Jeremy Cain.

Lowry was handed the free safety job at the start of last season when coaches decided to get rid of three-year starter Lamont Thompson. He held the job for six games before giving way to rookie Michael Griffin. Later, when Chris Hope suffered a season-ending injury, Lowry re-entered the starting lineup at strong safety and made five starts.

Other notable releases included Johnson, a sixth-round pick from 2007 who tore his ACL in training camp a year ago. He had had a strong off-season and was expected to be the Titans’ fourth tackle, but lost out to incumbent Kevin Vickerson. The Titans still may scour the waiver wire to find additional help.

“We will watch the cuts over the next 24 hours and if there is a player there that can improve us at a spot, then we will do our best to create a roster spot for them,” Fisher said.

Taylor came back to the Titans in the middle of camp after being released in July and had a strong preseason, but it was not enough.

Conover was let go after playing in 11 games over two seasons, losing out to William Hayes and Jacob Ford. Dave Ball was also still in the mix for a roster spot as well.

“He’s the fourth best defensive end they have, but they have those rookies they’ve picked and have to develop,” Conover’s agent Martin Magid said.

Ealy’s release was a bit surprising since he had been as high as No. 3 in the pecking order during the OTAs. He had six preseason catches for 101 yards, best on the club in preseason in terms of yards, but was also plagued by dropped passes.

By having played only four games last year, Ealy still has practice squad eligibility if he clears waivers. He was in a tight battle for one of the backup receiver spots, and his abilities as a special teams player were believed to be an advantage.

“They said if they would take a look at him for the practice squad if he clears waivers,” Ealy’s agent George Tarry said.

The release of Cramer spells the end of his two seasons with the Titans as a valuable special teams and utility player.

Petrowski had four catches for 81 yards in preseason and also could be a practice squad candidate.

Cain, signed last year as a long snapper when Ken Amato was injured, was in an uphill battle to unseat Amato in camp.