Titans News
Tennessee Titans wide receiver Chimere Dike caught seven of eight targets for 93 yards in Sunday’s 38-14 loss to the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium. The rookie also added one yard on his lone rushing attempt.
Dike posted his second consecutive game leading the Titans in receptions and receiving yards. The performance marked a career high in receiving yards for the fourth-round draft pick out of Florida. He had previously caught four passes for 70 yards and his first career touchdown in Week 7 against the New England Patriots.
The 23-year-old saw his playing time increase dramatically against Indianapolis. Dike ran routes on 89 percent of offensive snaps, a season high and 32 percentage points above his previous best. For the first time in 2025, he out-snapped fellow wide receiver Van Jefferson. Dike tied rookie receiver Elic Ayomanor with eight targets while easily pacing all Tennessee pass catchers in production.
The increased role comes as the Titans navigate significant roster changes at the position. Calvin Ridley missed his second straight game with a hamstring injury sustained in Week 6 against the Las Vegas Raiders. Ridley leads Tennessee receivers with 16 catches for 290 yards this season but has not found the end zone through eight games.
Veteran Tyler Lockett is no longer with the team. The Titans released Lockett on October 20 after he requested his release. The 33-year-old had caught 10 passes for 70 yards in seven games with Tennessee after signing a one-year deal in April following 10 seasons with the Seattle Seahawks.
Dike has compiled 163 of his 189 receiving yards over the past two games. The rapid production spike coincides with the coaching change following Week 6. The Titans fired head coach Brian Callahan after a loss to the Raiders, and interim coach Mike McCoy has overseen the last two games.
The Wisconsin transfer ran a 4.34-second 40-yard dash at the 2025 NFL Combine, the third-fastest time among prospects. Tennessee selected him 103rd overall in the fourth round. He caught 42 passes for 783 yards and two touchdowns in his final college season at Florida.
Quarterback Cam Ward, the first overall pick in the 2025 draft, has developed quick chemistry with Dike. Ward completed passes to multiple receivers in the loss but found Dike most frequently. The rookie receiver benefits from working in the slot and operating closer to the line of scrimmage.
Ayomanor caught passes on fewer targets despite running a similar number of routes. Van Jefferson, who started the season higher on the depth chart, has fallen behind both rookies in offensive involvement.
The Titans face the Los Angeles Chargers at home on Sunday, November 2. Ridley’s availability remains uncertain as he continues recovering from the hamstring injury. If Ridley misses a third consecutive game, Dike will likely maintain his expanded role in the passing attack.
Tennessee fell to 1-7 with the loss. The Colts improved to 7-1 and swept the season series for the third straight year.
