The Tennessee Titans received some horrible news on Thursday. Presumed starting right tackle Nicholas Petit-Frere has been suspended for the first six games of the 2023 season for violating the NFL's gambling policy. 

Petit-Frere did not bet on the NFL, but betting on any sport is prohibited within the confines of an NFL facility. 

If there is any silver lining here, it's that the team has dealt with a starting lineman being suspended before. 

In 2019, former tackle Taylor Lewan was suspended for the first four games of the season after testing positive for a banned substance. 

Head coach Mike Vrabel voiced his displeasure at the time, but explained that he "isn't in the business of avoiding distractions," but instead "dealing with them." Vrabel dealt with Lewan's loss by giving a number of different players opportunities to fill in. 

During the 2019 preseason, Vrabel tried Kevin Pamphile and Dennis Kelly out at left tackle to prepare for life without Lewan. Giving backups extended run in the summer and preseason helped the Titans stay afloat until Lewan returned. 

The same thing will need to happen this time. With Petit-Frere gone, the Titans have several options. Rookie first-round selection Peter Skoronski could be forced to start his career at right tackle. Most evaluators believe Skoronski fits best at guard, but he is experienced at both. 

If Skoronski plays RT, that means theres a hole at guard. Free agent addition Daniel Brunskill will likely start at one guard spot while Corey Levin, Jordan Roos, Jamarco Jones, and Dillon Radunz could get run at the other guard spot. 

If the Titans prefer for Skoronski to stay at guard, then the veteran Jones or former second-rounder Radunz could play RT. 

Regardless of what decision is made, it is obvious that Vrabel will leave no stone unturned. 

Featured image via © Andrew Nelles / The | 2023 Jun 14