Titans stock report: Whose is up, down after Week 8 loss to Bengals?

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Titans stock report: Whose is up, down after Week 8 loss to Bengals?

Titans stock report: Whose is up, down after Week 8 loss to Bengals?

Mark Mihalko, Titans Wire · Titans Wire

Mon, November 2, 2026 at 4:30 PM UTC ·

3 min read

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Once again, the Tennessee Titans made just enough plays to pull out a win, but in the end, they came up short. As has been the case throughout 2026, the loss was a joint effort.

The Titans' offense came to life and had its best outing of 2026, once again giving the team a chance to win. Unfortunately, this week's opponent was Joe Burrow, who shredded the Titans' secondary, and the Bengals' offense moved the ball with ease; in the end, it was too much.

With that, it's time to look back at the afternoon's good and bad performances. Here's a look at the players who are rising or falling in the Week 8 stock report.

Stock up: S Amani Hooker

In his first game as team captain in 2026, Hooker was a force against the Bengals and tortured Joe Burrow all afternoon. Not only did Hooker record five total tackles, but his career-high three interceptions kept Tennessee in the game and held the Bengals' high-powered offense in check.

Stock down: WR Calvin Ridley

Ridley returned to action against the Bengals and might as well have been left inactive. He caught one pass for 10 yards, but a critical drop snuffed out a positive drive, and he made little impact. Unlike Tony Pollard, if Tennessee decided to move Ridley at the deadline, I doubt anyone in Nashville would shed a tear.

Stock up: RB Tony Pollard

It's amazing how much of an impact Pollard has on the offense. Pollard was again the heartbeat of the unit, with 21 carries for 117 yards and two touchdowns, plus three receptions for 20 yards. As in 2025, Cam Ward plays better once Pollard and the ground game start rolling, and that was again apparent against the Bengals.

Stock down: C Austin Schlottmann

It may be time for Tennessee to consider giving Pat Coogan some in-game reps in the pivot. Against the Bengals, Schlottmann continued the barrage of weekly penalties and inconsistent run blocking, which clearly hurt his performance. The Titans' line is banged up heading into the bye, and it may be time to make some changes.

Stock up: QB Cam Ward

Ward answered some questions against the Bengals and, for the first time, looked like the quarterback many believed he could be. Ward had a career day, completing 26-of-40 passes for 304 yards and two touchdowns, while adding seven carries for 41 yards. While there are still things to clean up, it was a step forward in his development in this new scheme.

Stock down: DT Solomon Thomas

After the shocking trade of Jeffery Simmons to the Chicago Bears, Thomas stepped in and filled the void in snaps, leading Tennessee's defensive line in playing time. Unfortunately, even though he led the unit in snaps, he ranked last in production, recording a single tackle. No one is going to replace Simmons, but it's clear Thomas isn't the answer.

Stock up: DE Jacob Martin

Martin was the Titans' most effective pass rusher against the Bengals and, in his red sleeves, did his best Simmons impression by harassing Joe Burrow all afternoon. Martin finished with four total tackles and three sacks, and did his part for the Titans' defense.

Stock down: CB Joshua Williams

Joe Burrow targeted Williams early and often, and the veteran couldn't hold up. He recorded five tackles but gave up multiple touchdowns and committed multiple penalties. The Titans need to sort out their cornerback room if they want to succeed, and Williams needs to improve.