Tennessee Titans wide receiver Rishard Matthews has been rather cryptic about his absence from the team. It appears the Titans have finally obliged to his wishes.
Matthews has not been at the team's facility for what they have dubbed as “personal reasons.” According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, he has now requested his release from the team:
WR Rishard Matthews told A to Z Sports that he asked the Titans for his release and he is planning on moving on.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 27, 2018
The troubles with Matthews seemingly began with his lack of playing time to start the 2018 NFL season. It seemed to reach a boiling point when he posted a picture on Instagram implying that he was “home for good” until a team called him. It seems to have resulted in his release from the Titans.
Matthews had signed a one-year extension with Tennessee in the offseason. However, he was forced to miss most of training camp with a knee injury. As a result, his status as the team's top wideout dropped quickly and he has been unable to make a meaningful impact thus far this season. It certainly did not help that Tennessee has been on a bit of a quarterback carousel through the first three games. Regardless, it is clear both sides were ready to move on.
Despite Matthews' struggles early on, there is still time for him to potentially etch out a role elsewhere. However, it may not be the one he had envisioned himself in with the Titans. Meanwhile, Tennessee will continue to rely heavily on wide receivers Corey Davis and Taywan Taylor moving forward.