The Tennessee Titans return to the field in Week 6 after an early bye. After defeating the Miami Dolphins in Week 4, the Titans host the Indianapolis Colts in a bid to get their second win of the season.
The bye week came at a good time for the Titans, as starting quarterback Will Levis left the Dolphins’ game with a shoulder injury and needed time to heal. Still, we don’t yet know if he will play this week.
That’s not the only concern the Titans have heading into their matchup with the Colts, let’s take a look at three causes for concern.
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Quarterback unknowns on both sides
The Titans have not yet said who will start this week against the Colts. Will Levis returned to practice in full this week, but his status remains questionable.
Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson is dealing with an oblique injury and is also questionable to play. He left the Pittsburgh Steelers game two weeks ago and did not play in Week 5.
It’s difficult to prepare for a game with so many quarterback questions. Whoever lines up under center changes the offensive scheme and defensive tactics, so both sides of the ball are preparing for two different quarterbacks. It’s not impossible to do, but it does make things more difficult.
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Defensive injuries piling up
While the Titans designated linebacker Cedric Gray to return from injured reserve, the injuries on the defensive side of the ball are piling up. Jeffery Simmons has been dealing with an elbow injury for a few weeks. Chidobe Awuzie was placed on injured reserve just ahead of the Dolphins game. Jamal Adams has a hip injury and did not practice on Wednesday, and Keondre Coburn has a nagging knee injury.
The Titans already had defensive players on injured reserve, and Gray’s designation to return does not mean he will play this week. The defense has held strong so far, but they can’t afford any more injuries.
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Special teams blocking
On Thursday, special teams coach Colt Anderson said the Titans had to do better when blocking on punts.
#Titans ST coach Colt Anderson said the Dolphins rushed four and almost got the blocked punt. Calais Campbell got a finger on it. Anderson said it’s frustrating to see Miami get pressure with just four.
— TURRON DAVENPORT (@TDavenport_NFL) October 10, 2024
The Dolphins nearly blocked a punt in Week 4, and only rushed four guys to do it. They’ve already allowed two blocked punts this season.
That won’t suffice against most teams, the Titans have to do better in protecting Ryan Stonehouse and the football.