Ticking/diesel noise. Timing chain tensioner

I have a 2014 Toyota Tundra 5.7 with the 3UR-FBE engine, 90,850 miles and synthetic oil changes every 6,000 miles.

I am getting a ticking noise on cold startup (40deg-65deg) that sounds like I have a diesel engine. I don't have any codes or loss in oil pressure either. I have read a few threads on this issue and they all point to the drivers side main timing chain tensioner.

The noise is intermittent and only seems to happens on cold startup and continues even after the truck has warmed up. This morning it was about 75deg and I decided to remove my oil filler neck to get a look at the tensioner before I started it up (see picture). As you can see in the picture it looks like the plunger on the tensioner isn't even applying tension to the guide, as if there is a small gap between them, however I did not hear the noise this morning.

If the tensioner lost prime or isn't getting enough oil flow shouldn't the noise would be constant? Any help on this issue is appreciated.