The Tennessee Titans are hosting the Chicago Bears for a joint practice in Nashville on Thursday. They’ll then play each other in the preseason finale on Saturday. With head coach Robert Saleh seemingly placing more importance on joint practice than exhibition games, this arguably represents the Titans’ last chance to physically prepare for Week 1.

There’s been a lot of discourse surrounding quarterback Cam Ward and wide receiver Carnell Tate lately. Most of the perceptions going around the media are fairly negative.

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Ward is 13-for-24 for 126 yards, zero touchdowns, and zero interceptions in two preseason games. He’s led one touchdown drive, a 95-yard opener versus the San Francisco 49ers in Week 1. Ward and the first-string offense have only scored 10 points, with kicker Joey Slye being their biggest weapon.

The discourse around Tate is arguably worse. Through two preseason games, the rookie fourth overall selection has somehow registered zero receptions. A combination of miscues are responsible for that. Ward has occasionally missed Tate with inaccurate throws. The wideout also dropped a catchable fade versus the Seattle Seahawks, and there also appeared to be a miscommunication between quarterback and receiver.

Titans offensive coordinator Brian Daboll answered questions about Tate’s quiet stretch of camp. It feels like both Ward and Tate would benefit from a strong practice versus the Bears. It would build momentum heading into Week 1 preparations for the New York Jets.

Joint practice with the Bears will be an excellent measuring stick. They are a franchise the Titans are somewhat hoping to emulate. Last season, their sophomore No. 1 overall pick took a huge step forward under a new coaching staff and the Bears made the playoffs. The Titans would love for Ward and Saleh to follow a similar path.

Hopefully Ward and Tate enjoy a productive practice versus the Bears.