Saleh Condemns 'Cheap' Hit on Robinson After Titans-Bears Practice Scuffle
Tennessee Titans head coach Robert Saleh criticized a hit by Chicago Bears safety Xavier Woods on wide receiver Wan'Dale Robinson during a joint practice, calling it 'cheap.' Robinson is undergoing concussion evaluation, and the incident sparked a bench-clearing scuffle. Saleh noted that Woods, a former Titan, was released after Saleh's hiring, while teammates condemned the play as unacceptable for a practice setting.
Key points
- Titans head coach Robert Saleh described the hit by Bears safety Xavier Woods on WR Wan'Dale Robinson as 'cheap' during a press conference following a joint practice.
- Robinson is currently being evaluated for a potential concussion after the collision, which occurred during a 'thud' period of the practice session.
- The incident caused benches to clear, with Titans players, including guard Peter Skoronski, rushing to the field to confront the Bears players.
- Xavier Woods played for the Titans in 2025 but was released shortly after Saleh was hired as head coach this year.
- Robinson signed with the Titans as a free agent in March 2026, meaning he and Woods did not play together in Tennessee previously.
- Titans quarterback Cam Ward stated that Robinson is doing well but acknowledged the need to protect his receiver from such dangerous situations in the future.
Background
This incident occurs during the NFL preseason, a period known for heightened physicality and occasional altercations during joint practices. Earlier this week, the Bears participated in a joint practice with the Cincinnati Bengals, where offensive line struggles were noted, but no serious injuries were reported. The Titans have been undergoing roster changes under Saleh, including the addition of Robinson and the release of Woods, setting the stage for the current tension between the two teams.
How outlets are covering it
NBC Sports and CBS Sports both report that Saleh used the word 'cheap' to describe the hit and that Robinson is being evaluated for a concussion. CBS Sports provides additional detail, noting that the hit was flagged for a penalty and that Titans guard Peter Skoronski called the play 'unacceptable' for a practice setting. Bears Wire focuses on the history between Woods and the Titans, noting that Woods was released after the 2025 season, and questions whether the hit was a deliberate message or a result of the heat and humidity. All sources agree that the incident led to a scuffle and that Robinson walked off the field under his own power.
Why it matters
The incident highlights the physical intensity of NFL joint practices and the potential for injuries that could impact a player's availability for the regular season. It also underscores the ongoing tension between the Titans and Bears, particularly given the recent roster changes involving Xavier Woods. The concussion evaluation could sideline Robinson for several days, though there is ample time for him to recover before Week 1.
What to watch
Robinson will undergo further medical evaluation to determine if he suffered a concussion. If diagnosed, he will enter the concussion protocol, which could keep him out for several days. The NFL may also review the incident to determine if any penalties or fines are warranted, similar to previous joint practice altercations. The Titans and Bears will continue their preseason preparations, with the focus shifting to the upcoming regular season.
- Robert Saleh: Wan'Dale Robinson being evaluated for concussion after "cheap" hit in Bears joint practice NBC Sports
- Titans WR Robinson evaluated for concussion after 'cheap' hit ESPN
- Former Titan's 'cheap' hit on Wan'Dale Robinson sparks Bears fight in joint practice; WR tested for concussion CBS Sports
- Tennessee Titans angry over 'cheap' helmet-to-helmet hit on Wan'Dale Robinson by Bears Yahoo Sports
- Titans HC Robert Saleh calls out Bears DB Xavier Woods for 'cheap' hit Bears Wire
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