The Tennessee Titans finally got a clearer picture of Cedric Gray in Week 6, and it looked a lot closer to what many expected when the season began.
Gray, whose playing time had been limited early on, saw more action against the Indianapolis Colts than veteran Cody Barton and made plays in the process. That marked a notable shift after a start to the year that left plenty of Titans fans wondering why the linebacker’s role had not expanded sooner.
The concern was understandable. Gray broke out in 2025 and was on track to pile up a massive tackle total before a late-season concussion slowed him down. He then missed the opener with a concussion, and while plenty of people figured he would quickly slide back into his usual spot, Barton kept the snap lead for the early part of the season.
On Thursday, defensive coordinator Gus Bradley pointed to Gray’s growth in communication and said the linebacker had accepted the challenge the staff placed before him. Gray echoed that after practice.
“I definitely think it was a challenge that they kind of put on me to be better with that, and different things like that, kind of take on more control. (I’m) trying to continue to do that.”
From the Titans’ side, the signs are encouraging. Gray’s increased workload against Indianapolis suggested the staff is beginning to trust him more, and that could mean an even bigger role going forward. Tennessee’s defense, built with athleticism in mind, has plenty to gain from his presence.
Barton has done his part, too, and has also helped rookie Anthony Hill Jr. settle in. But Gray brings a different gear when it comes to making plays, and the staff seems ready to keep leaning in that direction.
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