Thursday Injury Report: Four Sit Out A Second Day

Coach Mike Vrabel says decision-making process won't change based on the importance of the game with Houston

Jim Brown/USA Today Sports

NASHVILLE – The stakes might have increased. But the standard has not been lowered.

Coach Mike Vrabel said Thursday that the Tennessee Titans’ approach to injuries has not changed this week even with first place in the AFC South on the line. Those who have various aches and pains won’t be pushed any harder to get on the field Sunday when the Titans (8-5) face the Houston Texans (8-5) at Nissan Stadium.

“Ultimately, I make the decisions on who plays and who doesn’t,” he said. “… We make decisions on what’s best for the team, what’s best for the player. Can they protect themselves? Can they make it worse? All those things that we’ve always said talking about any injury. That doesn’t change.”

Among the decisions Vrabel will face this week are ones involving his leading rusher, Derrick Henry, one of his leading receivers, Adam Humphries, and one of his starting cornerbacks, Adoreé Jackson. All three along with special teams ace Daren Bates missed practice for the second straight day, although Henry already has stated unequivocally has stated that he would be ready for the contest despite his continuing issues with a hamstring injury.

Humphries (ankle), Jackson (foot) and Bates (shoulder) all missed the most recent game, Sunday’s 42-21 victory at Oakland.

On the plus side, safety Kenny Vaccaro was a full participant, which indicates he is likely to return from the concussion that sidelined him during the Raiders game. Vaccaro was one of three players who were full participants Thursday after having been limited a day earlier.

“We just try to make sure that we’re getting every player what they need as far as preparation,” Vrabel said. “You try to do walkthroughs, you try to meet, use the mobile classrooms the best way that we can.”

The complete Titans-Texans injury report for Thursday:

Tennessee

Did not practice: Daren Bates, LB (shoulder); Derrick Henry, RB (hamstring); Adam Humphries, WR (ankle); and Adoreé Jackson, CB (foot).

Limited participation: Jurrell Casey, DT (knee).

Full participation: Ben Jones, C (thumb); LeShaun Sims, CB (ankle); and Kenny Vaccaro, S (concussion).

Houston

Did not practice: None.

Limited participation: Chris Clark, T (hip); Gareon Conley, CB (hip); Will Fuller, WR (hamstring); Taiwan Jones, RB (hamstring); Brennan Scarlett, OLB (Achilles); and Carlos Watkins, DE (hamstring).

Full participation: None.