Tennessee Titans Missing 11 Players at Thursday Practice Ahead of Seattle Seahawks Matchup
The Tennessee Titans head into a Week 16 matchup with the Seattle Seahawks at far less than healthy like most times this time of year, but the sheer number of absences the Titans are currently dealing has to make practicing a difficult task. Regardless, for a second-straight day, the Titans were missing double-digit players as they prepare.
Tennessee Titans Thursday Injury Report
On Wednesday it was 14 and on Thursday it was 11 players missing practice. One of the 14 was Nick Westbrook-Ikhine, who was placed on injured reserve with a hand injury on Monday. Those 11 absences include some key players as well.
In no surprise, Will Levis didn't practice after suffering an ankle injury late against the Houston Texans. The Titans remain publicly optimistic Levis can play, but without practicing this week, you can nearly rule that out. If Levis can't play, Mike Vrabel has announced Ryan Tannehill would get the first-team snaps over Malik Willis.
Jeffery Simmons was injured in Week 14 against the Indianapolis Colts and has not practiced or played since suffering the knee injury. It is hard to see Simmons playing again this year without a proper week of practice in full.
Simmons will surely be missed this week as the Titans take on the Seattle Seahawks' two-headed rushing attack of Kenneth Walker and Zach Charbonnet. With Teair Tart now in Houston and Simmons injured, the Titans are thin on bodies and talent. This leaves names like Keondre Coburn, Quentin Bohanna and Jaleel Johnson.
T.K. McLendon Jr. is another in the mix, but he is one of the 11 players missing both days. The Titans could look to call up Marlon Davidson or Ross Blacklock from the practice squad if more bodies are needed.
On the defensive line as well, Arden Key popped up after not being on the report on Wednesday with a back issue. He joins multiple others starters on this list, some of who missed both days, including Amani Hooker, Treylon Burks, Aaron Brewer, Jack Gibbens, Sean Murphy-Bunting and K'Von Wallace.
Vrabel doesn't typically allow most guys on the team to play without any practice leading up to a game, but with so many players out he may have to make an exception and if he doesn't, the Titans could be in trouble this week.
On the bright side, two players were upgrade to limited after missing Wednesday and that was right guard Daniel Brunskill and wide receiver Kyle Philips. Also worth noting that DeAndre Hopkins, Derrick Henry and Denico Autry simply had rest days.
Related Titans stories
- CALEB FARLEY RETURNS: The Tennessee Titans have been without their 2021 first-round pick all season as Caleb Farley has been on the physically unable to perform list, but Farley returned to practice for the first time on Wednesday in a surprise, though it does not signal he will play in a game this season. CLICK HERE
- AZEEZ AL-SHAAIR EXCLUSIVE: Linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair joined the Tennessee Titans on a one-year deal this season, and it's worked out well. He leads the team in tackles by a wide margin, and enjoys being a part of the Nashville community. He'd love to run in back in 2024 and beyond. CLICK HERE
- TITANS TURN TO TANNEHILL: The Tennessee Titans not only lost to the Houston Texans, but saw starting rookie quarterback Will Levis get injured. With Levis' availability in question, head coach Mike Vrabel announced Ryan Tannehill would get the nod if Levis can't go. CLICK HERE
- HENRY-TITANS REUNION: Tennessee Titans star Derrick Henry will be entering free agency after the season and there is the chance he will not return in 2024, but if there is to be a reunion, it will be about Henry's fit in the offense just as much as the price to bring him back. CLICK HERE
- LEVIS SHOULD SIT: The Tennessee Titans not only lost any chance at the playoffs by losing to the Houston Texans in Week 15, but they also saw their rookie quarterback get injured. If the Titans are smart, they will sit Will Levis for the rest of the season in a move that is best for both team and player. CLICK HERE
- TEXANS CLAIM TART: Not only did the Tennessee Titans lose their Week 15 matchup to the Houston Texans, but they'll be losing their starting nose tackle to them as well. After being surprisingly cut by the Titans on Saturday, Teair Tart was claimed by the Texans on Monday. CLICK HERE
