Mike Vrabel provides injury updates on four key players
Tennessee Titans head coach Mike Vrabel spoke to the media on Monday afternoon to recap the Titan's big 24-17 victory over the Indianapolis Colts and preview the upcoming week of preparation for the Washington Commanders. In doing so, Vrabel provided some valuable insight into the status and expectations of a few key players that have […]
Tennessee Titans head coach Mike Vrabel spoke to the media on Monday afternoon to recap the Titan's big 24-17 victory over the Indianapolis Colts and preview the upcoming week of preparation for the Washington Commanders.
In doing so, Vrabel provided some valuable insight into the status and expectations of a few key players that have been dealing with injuries.
Here's everything you need to know about the injury status of four very important Titans players:
LB Monty Rice
Mike Vrabel told Titans media that he was "hopeful" that Monty Rice would be on the practice field this week, saying that the second-year linebacker has been "working hard" to get back on the field.
Rice appeared in 10 games for the Titans in 2021, but finished his rookie season on injured reserve with an achilles injury that has continued to plague him in 2022.
After not participating in training camp or OTA's, the Titans transferred Rice to the reserve/PUP list ahead of 53-man roster cuts.
Now eligible to return to the active roster, Rice has been working out around the practice field looking more and more ready each day. With Zach Cunningham's elbow injury looming, the Titans need all the help they can get at inside linebacker.
Expect regular updates on Rice's status coming in the near future.
WR Racey McMath
Racey McMath is another player the Titans miss greatly.
With the offensive struggles and the lack of explosive plays through the air, a deep threat like McMath could really open up the Titans playbook if he was on the field.
McMath had a huge training camp, developing an obvious chemistry with quarterback Ryan Tannehill before sustaining a hip injury in the preseason finale that landed him on IR.
Per league rules, McMath is now eligible to come off of IR for the first time this season, but according to Vrabel, it's unlikely he's ready to do so.
Don't expect to see McMath on the practice field at all this week.
WR Treylon Burks
Rookie wide receiver Treylon Burks is a hot topic this week after he went down with a foot injury on Sunday in Indianapolis.
After making a catch in the fourth quarter, Burks came up hobbling with a foot injury. He stayed in the game to run a route on one leg rather than going down to cause an injury timeout, and was ultimately carted off the field with frustration in his eyes.
Reports from the locker room didn't look good, as Burks was seen leaving with a boot on his left foot.
Vrabel displayed confidence that the Titans had personnel in the organization to sufficiently replace Burks on the field, but wouldn't provide a detailed report or diagnosis.
Moments after the press conference wrapped, Ian Rapoport of NFL.com reported "turf toe" to be the official diagnosis.
No time table for return is clear yet, but Burks avoiding surgery is certainly a largely positive update.
DB Elijah Molden
Elijah Molden joins McMath in the "could really use him back" category.
The Titans secondary has been massive weakness, surrendering far too many big plays to opposing offenses, and having trouble defending the perimeter.
Kristian Fulton has done his job out wide, but the Titans have had trouble finding a cornerback to put opposite of him.
Normally, that position would belong to Roger McCreary, but with Molden missing extended time with a groin injury, McCreary has moved to the nickel, forcing Caleb Farley and Terrance Mitchell into action.
Unfortunately for the Titans, Molden also joins McMath as an unlikely candidate to return from IR this week, despite being eligible to return to the active roster.
For now, the secondary is on it's own.
Image via Armond Feffer, IndyStar-USA TODAY NETWORK
