On Wednesday, the Tennessee Titans released their first injury report ahead of their Sunday matchup against the Buffalo Bills. Running back Tyjae Spears missed practice due to a hamstring injury, and defensive lineman Keondre Coburn was also absent.
Starting quarterback Will Levis was limited in practice because of an ongoing shoulder injury but intends to keep playing. L’Jarius Sneed also missed practice with a quad injury but is expected to play. Although the Titans have not completely ruled Spears out, head coach Brian Callahan labeled him as “week to week” recently. General manager Ran Carthon has added running back Joshua Kelley to the practice squad, likely in preparation for Spears potentially missing time. Currently, Tony Pollard and Julius Chestnut are the only healthy running backs on the active roster, while Jabari Small could be elevated from the practice squad for Sunday’s game.
Spears rushed for 27 yards on six carries in last weekend’s loss to the Indianapolis Colts before suffering a lower-leg injury. The former Tulane player averaged a season-high 4.5 yards per carry among minimum qualifiers. So far this season, he has totaled 114 rushing yards and one touchdown, along with 19 receptions for 82 receiving yards.
If Spears is unable to play against Buffalo, Pollard will take on the lead role. He rushed for 93 yards and a touchdown on 17 carries against the Colts. A key free-agent signing for Carthon, Pollard has gained 339 yards and scored three touchdowns in six games, making him one of the team’s top offensive playmakers.
Coburn is expected to miss his second consecutive game after injuring himself in the first quarter of Week 4 against the Miami Dolphins. He was unable to play against the Colts despite the bye week. The Titans chose not to place him on IR, indicating he may be close to returning. T’Vonre Sweat and Jeffery Simmons played significant snaps against the Colts in Coburn’s absence.
Callahan also mentioned safety Jamal Adams, who has been placed on the reserve/non-football injury list and is reportedly unhappy with his limited playing time this season, having recorded just 20 defensive snaps.
In other news, Ernest Jones did not practice due to illness, while Treylon Burks was limited with a knee issue. DeAndre Hopkins, Jeffery Simmons, and Kenneth Murray took rest days.
