Caleb Farley is in an unfortunately familiar position after undergoing back surgery on Thursday.

ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports that the Tennessee Titans’ first-round pick in the 2021 NFL Draft underwent a microdiscectomy to fix a herniated disc. This news confirms all suspicions, ensuring Farley will be out for the remainder of the season.

Titans’ 2021 first-round pick Caleb Farley had a Microdisectomy on his back today and will miss the rest of the season, per source. Farley was dealing with a herniated disk, but he is expected to be ready for the start of the offseason program.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 8, 2022

It’s Farley’s third back surgery, which is rare for any 24-year-old athlete. Dr. Casey Davidson of Bone and Joint Institute explained why Farley is having these reoccurring back issues on A to Z Sports’ Doc Talk segment.

“Once you’ve had one of these injuries you are more susceptible to having another,” Dr. Davidson noted. “A recent study showed a 15 percent re-operation rate at eight years. He’s within that three-year window, already having two back surgeries. I believe we’re seeing a similar process with Shaq Leonard for the Colts, who is dealing with back surgeries and back issues.”

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Farley’s unique injury history puts the Titans’ front office in a precarious position. Whether the general manager job goes to Ryan Cowden or another outside source, a decision on Farley’s future looms ahead in the upcoming off-season.

He carries a $3,680,586 cap hit in 2023, but it remains to be seen whether the Titans find it convenient to cut ties and free up a roster spot. The only problem is that by doing so the Titans will be stuck with nearly $8 million in dead cap, per Spotrac.

Is a roster spot worth just north of $4 million? That’s a decision for the new general manger to make.

While Farley’s back injuries are a major worry, the Titans haven’t seen much production when he has been healthy. He’s played in just 12 games in his two seasons in Tennessee, recording 10 total tackles and one pass defended.

There was a significant risk when former GM Jon Robinson selected Farley with the No. 22 overall pick in 2019. It seems as if the Titans were blinded by Farley’s rare athleticism while ignoring his most glaring red flags.

Featured image via George Walker IV / Tennessean.com / USA TODAY NETWORK