Titans’ injury report: Multiple starters sit out practice

The Tennessee Titans released their first injury report for Week 12 and see multiple starters on the sidelines.

The Tennessee Titans dropped a tough one on Sunday against the Minnesota Vikings and suffered some damaging injuries in the process. 

Heading into Week 12, it is already known that linebacker Jack Gibbens will be out and likely placed on injured reserve prior to kickoff. Gibbens suffered a devastating lower leg injury that required surgery on Monday. Since has not been placed on IR yet, he was a non-participant. 

Running back Tyjae Spears (concussion) and linebacker Otis Reese IV (ribs) were also injured during that contest. Spears is in concussion protocol and did not practice, while Reese practiced and was not listed on the injury report. 

Starting cornerback L’Jarius Sneed (quad) did not practice and is likely out for Week 12. Wide receiver Calvin Ridley, tackle Leroy Watson IV, defensive lineman Sebastian Joseph-Day, defensive back Justin Hardee, defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons, Cornerback Roger McCreary, and linebacker Kenneth Murray did not practice

Defensive Back Justin Hardee was limited with a groin injury. 

The Titans’ Wednesday injury report can be found below:

Did not participate: CB L’Jarius Sneed (quad), Jeffery Simmons (NIR/rest), OT Leroy Watson (back), CB Roger McCreary (knee), DT Sebastian Joseph-Day (biceps), WR Calvin Ridley (illness), LB Jack Gibbens (ankle), DB Justin Hardee (groin), LB Kenneth Murray (shoulder), RB Tyjae Spears (concussion)

Limited Participant: N/A

Full participants: N/A

[lawrence-related id=153873,153855,153856]

Titans’ Jeffery Simmons top-rated defensive lineman in Week 11 per PFF

Tennessee Titans defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons was the top-rated defensive lineman in Week 11 according to PFF.

The Tennessee Titans are a team in purgatory right now. They are improving and getting incrementally better every week, yet those improvements have not translated to victories on the field. 

One player that is setting the tone for the defense is defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons. Simmons is in the midst of a string of outstanding performances. This is not just from a production standpoint, it is from an analytical perspective as well.


This week, Simmons was ranked the top-rated defensive tackle in the NFL by PFF with an overall 88.7 grade. His pass rush grade, pressures, and pressure rate were also tops in the league. Overall he had four tackles and a forced fumble, but his impact goes far beyond the stat sheet. 

Just weeks after the Titans rebuffed potential trade opportunities for him, Simmons is showing fans and opponents why he was untouchable at the deadline and why the team considers him a building block for their future. He is also a locker room leader who helps set the tone on a weekly basis.

Moving forward, Simmons and rookie defensive tackle T’Vondre Sweat should only get better playing next to each other. Already a solid tandem, they should continue to grow into one of the most dynamic defensive fronts in the NFL and consistently anchor the Titans’ defense.

Simmons will be back in action on Sunday when the Titans head to NRG Stadium to take on the Houston Texans. 

[lawrence-related id=153855,153856,153836]

Titans’ Jeffery Simmons, JC Latham chime in on officiating

Titans defensive end Jeffery Simmons and offensive tackle JC Latham add commentary on the controversial officiating on Sunday.

During the Tennessee Titans loss to the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, the story changed course in the second quarter when the Titans stopped the Vikings on 3rd-and-goal. A flag came out after safety Mike Brown laid out Jordan Addison in the end zone.

The officials called unnecessary roughness on Brown, despite Brown hitting Addison in the chest, not launching, and not leading with his head. As NFL officials continue to get calls wrong, Clete Blakeman’s crew heads the list of controversial calls.

Titans’ defensive end Jeffery Simmons chimed in on the impact of the officials:

 

“It’s hard, you know?” Simmons told reporters, “It’s hard when you getting them type of calls when you’re making plays, you’re getting ready to get off the field on third down, what may be, and we get a penalty. And some of them were late, it’s like we’re coming off the field and I’m celebrating, and here comes a flag. Things like that, man, it’s out of our control. I think we’re cursed when it comes to officiating right now.”

He’s not wrong, the timing of many of the Titans’ penalties came at times when the momentum could have swung their way. Offensive tackle JC Latham noted that one of the officials told him to scootch up on the very first play.

 

“I mean, the rule is your head has to crack the center’s hip,” he said. “You know, I always, every time I inches away, I kind of just look to my left and I see the center’s hip. Sometimes they call it and sometimes I disagree, but it is what it is, you just have to keep playing.”

This only adds to the controversy around the Week 11 matchup as it becomes apparent just how involved they were with what happened on the field.

[lawrence-related id=153801,153791,153777]

Titans’ injury report: Arden Key, Roger McCreary, Jeffery Simmons return

The Tennessee Titans saw multiple starters return to practice on Thursday — here is the daily injury report.

The Tennessee Titans were back on the practice field on Thursday and welcomed some starters back after sitting out Wednesday’s session.

 

Outside linebacker Arden Key, cornerback Roger McCreary and defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons all were full participants and running back Tony Pollard was limited. This is a positive sign for Key and McCreary who sat out Wednesday due to injury. 

The same cannot be said about cornerback L’Jarius Sneed and tackle Leroy Watson, as both players missed their second day of practice heading into Week 11. They were joined on the sideline by defensive back Justin Hardee, who was limited on Wednesday with a groin injury. 

The Titans will wrap up their practice week on Friday and release their final injury report. 

The Titans complete Thursday injury report is below.

Did not participate: CB L’Jarius Sneed (quad), OT Leroy Watson (back), CB Justin Hardee (groin)

Limited participant: RB Tony Pollard (NIR/rest)

Full participant: DT Jeffery Simmon (NIR/rest). CB Roger McCteary (knee), OLB Arden Key (back)

[lawrence-related id=153605,153596,153591]

Titans’ Will Levis, Tyjae Spears practice in full, L’Jarius Sneed sits again

The Titans’ injury report after Thursday’s practice ahead of their Week 10 matchup against the Chargers on Sunday.

The Tennessee Titans have seen their fair share of injuries this season. The offensive line is in a shambles after losing Lloyd Cushenberry for the season. With Dillon Radunz also injured, it moved Daniel Brunskill to guard and Corey Levin became the center. Safety Quandre Diggs is also gone for the season, and for the umpteenth straight practice, L’Jarius Sneed continues to nurse a quad injury.

This week, though, the Titans are seeing progress with some of the nagging injuries players have been playing through. Will Levis was a full participant on Thursday, T’Vondre Sweat is not on the injury report, and Tyjae Spears practiced in full. There were a couple of new injuries, but only two players sat out of Thursday’s practice.

The Titans’ Thursday injury report can be found below:

Did not participate: CB L’Jarius Sneed (quad), RB Tony Pollard (foot)

Limited participants: WR Tyler Boyd (shoulder), S Amani Hooker (groin), DT Jeffery Simmons (hamstring), G Dillon Radunz (foot), RB Julius Chestnut (foot), TE Nick Vannett (neck)

Full participant: WR Calvin Ridley (shoulder), QB Will Levis (shoulder), S Mike Edwards (NIR-Rest), RB Tyjae Spears (hamstring), CB Tre Avery (hamstring)

[lawrence-related id=153259,153254,153236]

Titans injury report: L’Jarius Sneed sits out again

The Tennessee Titans returned to the practice field Wednesday and released their first injury report for the week.

The Tennessee Titans are banged up as they prepare to take the field Sunday against the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 10 action. Prior to hitting the field to start preparations for this one, the Titans made a couple of injury-related roster moves. 

The team officially placed center Lloyd Cushenberry (Achilles) and safety Quandre Diggs (foot) on injured reserve, likely ending their seasons. To fill one of the roster spots, the Titans signed veteran safety Mike Edwards, who was in Tennessee Wednesday for a physical. 


Once they hit the field, eyes were on the players who sat out the Week 9 victory due to injury to see if there was any chance of a return to action. Unfortunately, cornerback L’Jarius Sneed continued to be sidelined with his quad injury. He was joined on the sideline by defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons.

Quarterback Will Levis, guard Dillon Radunz, and running back Tony Pollard led the group of eight players that were limited, which included newly acquired safety Mike Edwards. 

Cornerback Tre Avery returned as a full participant with his hamstring injury. 

The Titans’ Wednesday injury report can be found below:

Did not participate: CB L’Jarius Sneed (quad), Jeffery Simmons (NIR/rest)

Limited Participant: RB Tony Pollard (foot), WR Tyler Boyd (shoulder), WR Calvin Ridley (NIR/rest), S Armani Hooker (groin), G Dillon Radunz (foot), QB Will Levis (shoulder), RB Tyjae Spears (hamstring), S Mike Edwards (NIR/rest)

Full participants: CB Tre Avery (hamstring)

5 Titans players to watch in Week 10 vs. Chargers

The Chargers return home to face a Titans team that lacks a lot of top-tier talent, particularly on the offensive side of the ball.

Coming off consecutive victories, the Chargers return to home to face the 2-6 Titans in Week 10. The AFC South has struggled, primarily due to below-average play from the quarterback position.

Tennessee is coming off its second win of the season, albeit against a poor Patriots team. Here are some Titans players that the Chargers will still need to keep their eye on this Sunday to avoid a possible upset.

RB Tony Pollard

Tennessee was expected to have a split backfield this season, but Pollard has completely taken over the job. He’s looked like the 2022 version of himself as he seems to be fully healthy after a gruesome leg injury nearly 24 months ago. Pollard ranks 10th in the NFL in rushing with 622 yards, and he’s added on 135 receiving yards and three total touchdowns as well. The veteran is com

WR Calvin Ridley

Now that DeAndre Hopkins is gone, Ridley is the Titans’ only legitimate threat through the air. In fact, he’s the only Titan with more than 200 receiving yards. In eight games, the 2018 first-rounder has 27 catches for 399 yards and a touchdown. If the Chargers’ cornerback crew is able to slow down Ridley, they should have no problems limiting this Titans offense.

DL Jeffery Simmons

For years now, Simmons has been one of the game’s premier defensive linemen. Despite the team’s lack of success this season, he has still been excellent in every aspect. Simmons is the primary guy that the Chargers offensive line will have to account on every play this weekend. He’s been elite in stopping the run and has added in 3.0 sacks and a forced fumble as well.

S Amani Hooker

Hooker has quietly become one of the league’s most underrated safeties. He’s become a real playmaker for this defense throughout the season. Hooker has three interceptions, seven pass deflections, and two forced fumbles across eight starts. He may be asked to do even more moving forward, as the Titans lost fellow safety Quandre Diggs for the season last weekend.

CB L’Jarius Sneed

Chargers fans are familiar with this name, as Sneed spent four seasons with the Chiefs. He was traded to the Titans this past offseason and eventually signed to a four-year, $76.4 million extension. So far, the deal has looked like a bust. Pro Football Focus has rated him as one of the worst corners in the NFL this season. He’s played just five games due to injuries, but even when he’s been active, the veteran has been ineffective. With how hot the Chargers offense has been lately, look for Justin Herbert to attack Sneed’s side early and often, no matter who he’s guarding.

Key things to know about Chargers’ Week 10 opponent: Titans

Here are some important things to know about the Titans ahead of the Week 10 matchup with the Chargers.

The Chargers are at home to face the Titans on Sunday, Nov. 10, at 1:05 p.m. PT.

To get you prepped for the Week 10 bout, here are five key things to know about Los Angeles’ opponent ahead of the matchup.

How things are going…

The Titans are 2-6 on the season. Tennessee snapped a three-game losing streak after beating the Patriots last Sunday.

Porous passing game

The Chargers shouldn’t have to worry about the Titans presenting a problem through the air. Tennessee currently ranks 31st in passing offense, averaging 170.8 yards per game. Mason Rudolph has served as the Titans’ starting quarterback in the last three games, while Will Levis has been sidelined with a shoulder injury. Rudolph had his most productive outing last weekend, throwing for over 200 yards and a pair of touchdowns. Tennessee is hopeful that Levis can play this weekend. In five games, Levis has completed 66.4% of his passes for 699 yards and five TDs to seven interceptions.

Ground game is working

While the Titans’ passing attack hasn’t been efficient, their offense has benefited from the running game. Tennessee is 12th in that department, averaging 125.6 YPG. Tony Pollard, who was acquired this past offseason, has been a key playmaker in the team’s offense. Pollard has rushed for 622 yards and three scores, with an average of 4.4 yards per carry.

Stiff defense

You can’t attribute the Titans losing as many games as they have to their defense. Tennessee ranks No. 1 in total defense and passing defense. They’re also third in yards per play allowed and 11th against the run. However, they’re allowing a handful of points, as opponents are averaging 26.6 PPG (26th). This speaks to their struggles in the red zone, as the Titans are 26th in this category.

Look out for…

Defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons. The Chargers’ interior offensive line has struggled this season, and Simmons can give them fits. Simmons generated a season-high seven pressures and a sack on 37 pass rushes in Week 9 against the Patriots, including three pressures in under 2.5 seconds.

Titans receive calls on multiple players, stand firm at trade deadline

The Titans received calls on three key defensive players ahead of the trade deadline but stood firm and kept their defense intact.

The NFL trade deadline came and went on Tuesday at 4pm EDT, and the Tennessee Titans phones rang, but no trades were made. Specifically, the Titans received calls regarding defensive end Jeffery Simmons, linebacker Arden Key and defensive end Sebastian Joseph-Day.

The Titans’ defense currently allows the least amount of yardage per game, and these three players have four sacks (Key), three sacks (Simmons) and 2.5 sacks (Joseph-Day) on the season.

The Titans, however, weren’t interested in dealing Simmons at all.

As for Key and Joseph-Day, if they were considering trades, no one offered the Titans what they wanted in return. Aside from their ability to get to the quarterback, both Key and Simmons have a fumble recovery this season.

This Titans’ defense is solid and is the only reason the team won over the New England Patriots on Sunday. It didn’t allow the Chicago Bears to score a touchdown in Week 1. And even with the loss of Ernest Jones IV, the defense seems to have gotten even stronger under Dennard Wilson.

Keeping the Titans’ defense intact signals that the Titans want to keep winning. They like the pieces they have in place and want to build on what Wilson has started this season.

[lawrence-related id=153199,153187,153171]

Titans All-Pro defender sought Drake Maye after game to tell him this

Even the Titans were impressed by Drake Maye

Tennessee Titans defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons gave praise to New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye, following the Titans’ win over the Patriots on Sunday.

Simmons had an impact in Sunday’s game, recording five tackles and a sack in his team’s 20-17 win. Nevertheless, he was impressed with Maye, whose late-game touchdown pass took the contest into overtime. The rookie also managed to scamper away from Titans defenders on multiple occasions, carrying the ball eight times for 95 yards.

Multiple players commented on Maye’s performance after the game, including his teammates. However, Simmons was also complimentary of the quarterback, as transcribed by the Boston Globe’s Ben Volin.

Simmons sought Maye out after the game to tell him “he’s going to be a hell of a player.”

It is clear that Maye is making a strong impression on veterans around the league. It is also clear that the quarterback could be a building block for the future of the Patriots’ organization.

Drafting a quarterback in the first round is always risky business, but it appears the Patriots made a solid selection.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]