The Tennessee Titans returned to the practice field Wednesday as they prepare for a Week 17 clash with the surging New Orleans Saints - a matchup that suddenly carries more intrigue than anyone might’ve expected just a few weeks ago.
Fresh off a gritty win over the Kansas City Chiefs - their third of the season - the Titans are looking to stack momentum as the regular season winds down. It wasn’t always pretty, but a win over the defending champs is a statement, especially for a young team trying to find its identity. Now, they’ll face a Saints squad that’s riding a three-game win streak of its own and, like the Titans, is leaning on a rookie quarterback to spark a late-season push.
Tyler Shough for Tennessee and Cam Ward for New Orleans are two young signal-callers who’ve shown flashes of poise and playmaking ability - and both teams are banking on them to keep the arrow pointing up. But as always in December, health is just as important as momentum. With that in mind, here’s where the Titans stand on the injury front heading into the week.
Titans Wednesday Injury Report:
- CB Marcus Harris (knee) - Limited Participant Harris was limited, which at this stage of the season can mean a lot of things. The Titans will be hoping he trends upward as the week progresses, especially with the Saints likely to test the secondary deep.
- CB Jalyn Armour-Davis (Achilles) - Did Not Participate Armour-Davis remains sidelined, and any absence in the cornerback room is notable with New Orleans boasting a few vertical threats. His status will be one to watch closely.
- TE Gunnar Helm (toe) - Did Not Participate Helm is dealing with a toe issue, and while he’s not the top tight end on the depth chart, his blocking and red zone presence have been valuable in certain packages.
- DE Sebastian Joseph-Day (calf) - Did Not Participate Joseph-Day’s absence is significant. He’s been a steady force up front, and if he can’t go, it could open up running lanes - something the Saints are more than happy to exploit.
- LB Oluwafemi Oladejo (fibula) - Remains within 21-day practice window Oladejo is still in that return-to-play window, and while he’s not fully activated yet, his presence at practice is a step in the right direction for Tennessee’s linebacker depth.
- G Kevin Zeitler (groin) - Full Participant This is a big one.
Zeitler being a full go is great news for an offensive line that’s had its share of struggles. If he’s healthy, that’s a stabilizing presence for Shough and the run game alike.
- RB Julius Chestnut (back) - Did Not Participate Chestnut’s back issue kept him out, and with the Titans leaning on a committee approach in the backfield, his availability could impact the rotation.
- LB Ali Gaye (knee) - Within 21-day practice window Gaye is another player working his way back. The Titans are slowly getting healthier at linebacker, and every returning body helps, especially against a Saints offense that likes to mix in some misdirection and RPO looks.
- LB Cedric Gray (concussion) - Did Not Participate Gray remains in concussion protocol, and that’s always a situation where the team will err on the side of caution. His speed and instincts have been missed when he’s off the field.
- WR Bryce Oliver - Within 21-day practice window Oliver is working his way back into the fold. The Titans have been searching for consistent production at wideout, and while Oliver isn’t a WR1, he could provide a spark in specific sets if cleared.
With two rookie quarterbacks at the helm and both teams looking to build on recent momentum, this Week 17 matchup is shaping up to be a battle of resilience and development. For the Titans, staying healthy - or at least getting key pieces back - could be the difference between keeping the good vibes rolling or falling flat against a Saints team that’s quietly heating up.
It’s not just about who’s available - it’s about who steps up. And with the season winding down, the margin for error is razor-thin.