Julio Jones OUT vs. Colts, and other injury report news items

The Titans’ Friday injury report for their Week 8 divisional rematch with the Indianapolis Colts has arrived. Julio Jones is OUT for the game.

Starting with the good news, star pass rusher Harold Landry carries no designation for Sunday’s game, and will be active barring an unlikely setback. Landry popped up on the injury report late in the week with an apparent hamstring issue. It’s typically not a good sign for a player’s availability, but Landry has seemingly shaken it off. It’s a great sign, because the Titans will need him to apply pressure on Carson Wentz on Sunday.

Elsewhere, head coach Mike Vrabel has ruled out wide receiver Julio Jones due to his recurring hamstring issues. Jones’ tenure as a Titan has thus far been plagued with the same hamstring issues that hampered his final season in Atlanta in 2020. It’s interesting that Tennessee has yet to place him on injured reserve yet. At this point, shutting him down for three games may serve as the best course of action.

Switching back over to the good news, starting left tackle Taylor Lewan has exited the concussion protocol and will be available. Vrabel spoke at length regarding the Titans’ careful handling of all players who deal with concussions, and the team is happy to have Vrabel back. Lewan suffered the injury in scary fashion against the Buffalo Bills in Week 6, and was inactive for last Sunday’s victory over the Kansas City Chiefs. His return should further boost an offensive line that has performed admirably as of late.

Backup running back and former third-round pick Darrynton Evans has been placed on injured reserve. Seeing that it’s Evans’ second stint on IR this season, his 2021 campaign has now reached its end. It’s tough to envision a worst start to Evans’ NFL career. The former Appalachian State standout has managed to play in just six of a possible 23 games throughout the first two years of his four-year rookie contract. Vrabel was notably disappointed with Evans in Friday’s presser. Evans will not be guaranteed a roster spot next season.

Chris Jackson, Teair Tart, Rashaan Evans and Kendall Lamm are listed as questionable. Jackson was inactive last Sunday, and was replaced by the surprising Greg Mabin, who played 100% of the team’s defensive snaps. Should Tart be unable to play, it would mean more snaps for Naquan Jones and Amani Bledsoe. R. Evans is an interesting one. He’s played some good football as of late. His absence would perhaps open the door for Avery Williamson to see his first action since returning to Tennessee. Lamm was injured against Kansas City last week. Bobby Hart and Dillon Radunz will be active.

Fullback Khari Blasingame has also been ruled OUT. Look for rookie UDFA Tory Carter to play in his place.

We’ll have to check back on Sunday for the inactive lists for both teams for a final update.