Titans Named Anthony Hill Jr. Starting Linebacker
Anthony Hill Jr. replaced Cody Barton in the starting lineup following a strong debut.
Updated on Sept. 18, 2026 in Football
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The Tennessee Titans promoted rookie Anthony Hill Jr. to starting MIKE linebacker for the upcoming Week 2 game against the Philadelphia Eagles. The decision follows the team's Week 1 loss to the New York Jets, where the defense allowed 23 points.
Why it matters
The coaching staff prioritized defensive efficiency after a difficult season opener where the unit struggled against the run. Hill Jr. outperformed veteran Cody Barton in performance metrics, prompting the lineup change ahead of the team's next contest.
Anthony Hill Jr. recorded 16 tackles, two deflected passes, and eight stops in his NFL debut. He earned a 78.7 PFF grade, while 29-year-old veteran Cody Barton earned a 57.7 grade during the Week 1 loss.
The players
Anthony Hill Jr.
He is a rookie linebacker for the Tennessee Titans who recorded 16 tackles in his NFL debut.
Cody Barton
He is a 29-year-old veteran linebacker who started for the Titans during the team's season-opening loss.
Robert Saleh
He is the head coach responsible for managing the defensive lineup and player personnel decisions.
Cedric Gray
He is a linebacker for the Tennessee Titans who missed the Week 1 game due to a concussion.
The details
Robert Saleh officially moved Hill Jr. into the starting MIKE position to stabilize the defense. While Cedric Gray is expected to return soon, the team is currently adjusting its linebacker rotation to improve overall efficiency.
Timeline
The Titans allowed 23 points during their Week 1 loss to the New York Jets.
Anthony Hill Jr. will make his first start during the Week 2 matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles.
Season Trajectory
This roster adjustment highlights the team's commitment to immediate production as they attempt to correct defensive lapses early in the season. The move signals a potential shift in the competitive balance of the linebacker corps as the coaching staff evaluates options before the return of Cedric Gray.
Anthony Hill Jr. takes over the MIKE linebacker position, making him a primary focus for defensive stat tracking in the upcoming Week 2 matchup. The demotion of Cody Barton to a rotational role significantly alters the defensive snap distribution for the next game against Philadelphia.
The takeaway
Proactive lineup changes early in the season can help teams resolve defensive performance issues before recurring trends become deep-seated problems. Coaching staffs continue to rely on granular efficiency metrics to optimize player assignments during high-stakes games.
Further reading
For additional updates on the team, visit the Football section.
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Should your local sports team prioritize starting talented rookies over experienced veteran players?
