The questionable status of Tennessee Titans quarterback Ryan Tannehill has taken many of the headlines entering Tennessee’s Sunday Night Football matchup with the Kansas City Chiefs, but it is worth noting that another impact player is also at risk of missing the game.

Titans OLB Bud Dupree landed on the injury report following Friday’s practice, which Dupree missed due to an illness, with his status being marked as questionable:

Bud Dupree as questionable is less than ideal pic.twitter.com/uggDh6e79l

— Buck Reising (@BuckReising) November 4, 2022

The impact Dupree has on the Titans defense is irreplaceable, and often times underrated.

Of the Titans seven games so far this season, Dupree has played in five of them, but has only played majority snaps in three. Dupree played over 70% of defensive snaps in weeks one, seven, and eight, and the pass rush numbers reflect that.

Dupree has had a sack in every game he has played in the majority of defensive snaps. In those game, the Titans defense is also averaging almost twice as many sacks (3.7) as the games Dupree is not out there (2.0).

Bud Dupree Highlights Vs Colts pic.twitter.com/Khk94LKkVy

— MADsportSD16 (@MADsportSD16) October 23, 2022

While quarterback will always be king and Tannehill’s status is the priority, having Bud Dupree on the field is essential for the Titans defense to stop Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs.

Tennessee will have to bring pressure at Mahomes if they want to contain an explosive Chiefs offense that so often relies on extending the play by evading pressure.

Especially without Elijah Molden or Amani Hooker in the secondary, the Titans defense needs to win up front. Defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons is also listed as questionable, but he currently seems more likely to play than Dupree does.

Tennessee needs both of them good to go.

Image via Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports