UPDATE: Titans Address Extent of Injury to Former Hogs' WR Burks

Tennessee head coach Mike Vrabel sets unofficial timeline for recovery

Author:
Jacob Davis
Updated:
Aug 17, 2023 3:47 PM EDT
Original:
Aug 17, 2023

In this story:

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Former Arkansas Razorback and current Tennessee Titans wide receiver Treylon Burks suffered an apparent leg injury during practice on Wednesday morning. Tennessee head coach Mike Vrabel confirmed the injury at his daily press conference Thursday afternoon, offering an update that offered a positive outlook for Burks and his family.

"No, I don't think it'll be a long term injury," said Vrabel. "There is no ligament tears. It is the best case scenario ... There's relief. We will rehab him and when he is completely healthy we expect him to be back with us."

Word began trickling out Wednesday evening of a possible serious injury, but MRI results were still pending. During the practice, Burks reportedly caught a deep pass from Titans starter Ryan Tannehill after beating his defender. He then began stumbling, causing him to flip into the end zone. He reportedly got up and slammed the ball to the turf in frustration before trainers came over and convinced him to lay down for a quick medical evaluation before having him carted from the field.

The 6-foot-3, 225 pound receiver will likely miss the remainder of the preseason and possibly the Titans' opener on September 10 against the New Orleans Saints. After a difficult rookie season where he reported to training camp out of shape and struggling with asthma, Burks arrived in camp in much better shape as the Titans' projected No. 1 receiver after the team parted ways with Anthony Brown in the offseason. However, Tennessee's front office opted to bring in DeAndre Hopkins to complement Burks and take some of the pressure off while also taking on the mantle of the team's new No. 1 while Burks continues to adapt to the NFL.

As a rookie, Burks reeled in 33 receptions for 444 yards and 1 touchdown in 11 games last year. Perhaps his most notable play came on that lone touchdown as he was knocked unconscious by a pair of Eagles in Philadelphia on an acrobatic catch, yet still held onto the ball. He missed three weeks for concussion protocol, and upon his return, had another week of limited action before fully returning the final two weeks of the season.

Burks has a history of injuries dating back to his high school days. That includes a season ending ACL injury during his senior year in 2018. He also struggled with leg injuries during his time as a Razorback, although none put him out for extended periods of time.

Considering Vrabel has indicated this injury doesn't include ligament tears, the latest Burks should be out barring any unexpected set-backs is a mid-September home game against the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 2.