Tennessee Titans All-Pro safety Kevin Byard was not present for Titans voluntary OTAs this week, something that is rather unusual for Byard considering his first seven years in the NFL.

Byard's nonattendance comes after a frenetic offseason that included a number of trade rumors and the Titans asking Byard, who is tied for their longest-tenured player, to take a pay cut in 2023. 

But should Titans fans be legitimately concerned about Byard's standing with the team and current absence? Titans players and coaches certainly downplayed the situation on Tuesday, appearing to have full confidence that the team's defensive leader would be back in no time. 

Titans defense coordinator Shane Bowen assured the media on Tuesday that he trusts Byard to work out on his own time and stay in shape. That said, Bowen did feel as though some younger players on Tennessee's defense will be missing Byard's leadership in the building.

"Obviously he's a huge part of what we do here," said Bowen when asked about the impact of Byard not being around. "I think for the young guys, they miss it, you know? I have zero, zero doubt that Kevin Byard's going to be ready to go when he gets here. He works his butt off. He does everything the right way. He's a pro's pro."

"It's part of the business. It's part of the league. Some guys are here, some aren't and I have no doubt he's gonna be ready to go when he does walk through that door," said Bowen.

Bowen added that he has "no reservations about Kevin" and believes Byard is still in good standing with the team. Bowen has had communication with his star safety along the way. Head coach Mike Vrabel told Titans media that he saw and spoke to Byard as recently as Sunday when the two were on the golf course and that he expects Byard back at some point, especially with minicamp coming up.

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By all accounts, it does not sound like there is any reason to worry about Byard or his future with the team. Just in case you have any concerns about the Titans not having Byard's leadership in the building, listen to this from star defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons. 

"I know KB reached out to these guys. I'm sure they're in a group message just like when I was rehabbing, I wasn't out there and we were in a group message. I'm sure they talk to KB outside of the building," said Simmons on Tuesday. "When we talk about leadership, it's not just about what everyone sees. It's not just on the field. KB is a leader, not just in the stuff he does on the field."

Simmons mentioned the work Kevin and his wife Clarke do as honorary co-chairs with Rally On the Runway and how much respect everyone with the organization has for him as a leader.

"Guys respect KB, even the guys who haven't met KB personally, I'm sure he has reached out to those guys," Simmons said. "I know how much he means to this team with his leadership and his play. I see him post when he's working out and we know he's working hard. Minicamp is in two weeks, so I'm sure he'll be here for minicamp."

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If there is tension between Byard and the Titans' organization because of the events that transpired this offseason, Byard is not the one to blame.

When reports first came out about Tennessee asking Byard to take a pay cut in March, I wrote that "Byard is always healthy, consistently productive, and an integral part of Tennessee’s locker room. He’s worth every dollar left on his contract and he has no reason to take a pay cut." I still stand by that. 

Oftentimes, when a player isn't present for team activities or practices, they are made out to look like the bad guy. Their leadership and dedication to their team is called into question. Those things could never be in doubt when it comes to Kevin Byard. 

The good news is, at least for now, Byard missing OTAs does not seem to be a huge deal for the Titans. We have no reason to believe KB won't be back on the practice field for minicamp in the coming weeks and in two-tone blue for the 2023 season.