It’s been nine months since Nicholas Petit-Frere last wore his helmet. The Tennessee Titans’ third-round pick in the 2022 NFL draft was activated from the physically unable to perform (PUP) list on Friday after passing his physical. He rejoined his teammates in practice on Saturday morning.
“I’m just blessed to be here,” Petit-Frere said via Jim Wyatt of Titans Online. “I (hadn’t) put on a helmet since October, until today. So, I am blessed to get another opportunity to be out here with the guys.
“It’s been a long time coming.”
Petit-Frere will look put the last calendar year in the rearview mirror. The 24-year-old was suspended for violating the NFL’s policy on gambling to begin the season. During that time, he lost his starting job.
When he was eligible to return, Petit-Frere made it into just three games, including two starts, before he suffered a season-ending shoulder injury in the Titans’ November 2 game at the Pittsburgh Steelers.
The former Ohio State standout missed all of Tennessee’s offseason team activities rehabbing his shoulder. Before the start of the season, Petit-Frere underwent cleanup knee surgery and was placed on the Active-PUP list.
“I’ve been through a lot,” he said. “The things I take from that is: Work every day as if it’s your last, never take anything for granted, and enjoy the people you are around.”
Now back in camp, Petit-Frere is being eased back into things. The Titans are being cautious with the offensive lineman, but the hope is that he will compete to provide stability at the right tackle position.
However, he is going up against hungry players looking to make their mark. John Ojukwu started in three games, and Jaelyn Duncan played in ten games (five starts), respectively. Added, Leroy Watson, who was acquired from the Cleveland Browns, played in seven games last year.
For Petit-Frere, competition is nothing new. He has won the right tackle job in his first two years, so he is entering the 2024 NFL season with the same mindset.
“It’s a whole new coaching staff, new players,” Petit-Frere said. “Every year in the NFL is a chance to win, and a chance to compete. There is nothing guaranteed in the NFL. It’s a great opportunity. I’m blessed to be here, to get to compete for the starting job, and to be with the guys.
“But at the end of the day, like I told y’all my first time here as a rookie: My No.1 goal is to help the team win, however that is.”
