81 Jonnu Smith TE

Smith did not see a target Week 2 against Houston.

Smith was on the field for 59 offensive snaps but did not appear on the stat sheet after being pegged to fill in for the injured Delanie Walker (ankle). Backup quarterback Blaine Gabbert attempted only 20 passes, so there weren't an abundance of opportunities for any Titans receivers. As the team gets healthier -- they were without starting quarterback Marcus Mariota and key members of the offensive line -- Smith may become more involved, but that role isn't imminent after Smith's disappointing Week 2 showing.

With Delanie Walker (ankle) not expected to play again this season, per Adam Schefter of ESPN, Smith's role in the Titans' passing attack is in line to expand in the coming weeks.

As a rookie last year, Smith logged 18 catches for 157 yards and two touchdowns, but with Walker out of the mix, the 2017 third-rounder is now in a position to see enough looks in the Tennessee passing game to merit immediate fantasy attention. Luke Stocker (two catches for 37 yards) actually outproduced Smith (one catch for 12 yards) in Week 1, but Walker saw seven targets Sunday before suffering his injury, and looking ahead, the bulk of the tight end looks that would typically go to him figure to go in Smith's direction.

Smith hauled in one of his three targets for 12 yards in Week 1 against Miami.

Smith saw two his three targets on the last drive of the game, after Delanie Walker (ankle) was off the field due to injury. He is now in line for an increased workload, and will vie with Luke Stocker to fill Walker's role. While Corey Davis dominated the targets Sunday, Rishard Matthews (knee) is still limited by offseason injuries and Tywan Taylor failed to make his mark in the opening game. As a result, if Smith emerges as the primary replacement for Walker, he could see a fairly significant increase in targets.

Smith and Delanie Walker are both listed as starters on the Titans' unofficial preseason depth chart, Teresa Walker of The Associated Press reports.

Titans offensive coordinator Matt LaFleur spent last season in Los Angeles, where the Rams led the NFL in usage of three-receiver formations. However, it won't come as any surprise if the Titans use two tight ends for their base offense, considering they don't have much proven talent at wide receiver but do have a promising No. 2 tight end in Smith. A third-round pick last year, Smith caught 18 of 30 targets for 157 yards and two touchdowns while playing 552 offensive snaps in 16 regular-season games. Despite suffering a torn MCL during the playoffs, he didn't seem to have any limitations during the offseason program. While his progress is worth keeping an eye on, Smith is unlikely to establish fantasy value unless Walker misses time with an injury.

Smith (knee) traveled to Los Angeles for on-field workouts in mid-March with teammates Marcus Mariota, Corey Davis, Rishard Matthews, Taywan Taylor and Tajae Sharpe, Jim Wyatt of TitansOnline.com reports.

Despite suffering a torn MCL in a divisional-round playoff loss to New England, the 2017 third-round pick wasn't wearing a knee brace in the group photo from the recent workout session. His ability to run routes and catch passes suggests he should be available next week when the Titans begin their offseason program under new head coach Mike Vrabel. Smith should see a slight uptick from last year's total of 30 targets, but there won't be a ton of room for growth unless Delanie Walker struggles to stay healthy. The two tight ends have similar physical profiles, with Smith perhaps setting up as the heir apparent to his 33-year-old teammate. Walker will turn 34 in August, with Smith then celebrating his 23rd birthday just 10 days later.