As the Tennessee Titans wrap up their final preparations for Sunday’s showdown against the Kansas City Chiefs at Nissan Stadium, they’ll be heading into this one a little shorthanded-and that’s putting it lightly on the defensive side of the ball.
The most notable absence? Linebacker Cedric Gray, who leads the team in tackles, has officially been ruled out with a concussion.
Gray had returned to practice in a limited role earlier this week, but ultimately, the team is playing it safe. And given the physicality and speed of the Chiefs' offense, that’s a tough blow for a defense that’s already been stretched thin at times this season.
Joining Gray on the sidelines will be edge rusher Femi Oladejo and wide receiver Bryce Oliver. Both remain on injured reserve as they continue working their way back-Oladejo from a fibula injury, Oliver from a knee issue. Neither will be activated in time for this weekend’s matchup.
The Titans' injury report doesn’t stop there, either. Six players are currently listed as questionable, including cornerback Jalyn Armour-Davis (Achilles), offensive lineman Kevin Zeitler (groin), edge rusher Arden Key (illness), tackle Gunnar Helm (toe), wide receiver Van Jefferson (back), and edge rusher Ali Gaye (knee).
Key’s appearance on the report is a late development-he was added Friday after missing practice due to illness. That’s especially noteworthy given his role in the pass rush rotation.
But there is a silver lining for Tennessee: starting tackle Dan Moore Jr. is trending in the right direction. Moore practiced again Friday and carries no injury designation heading into Sunday, meaning he’s expected to be a full go. That’s a big boost for the Titans’ offensive line, especially with a Chiefs defense that’s been aggressive and opportunistic all season long.
As for Kansas City? The defending champs are heading into this one with a clean bill of health-no players listed as questionable or doubtful. That’s never a welcome sight for an opponent, especially one already dealing with significant personnel questions.
With kickoff looming, the Titans are staring down a tall task. Slowing down Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs is hard enough when you’re at full strength.
Doing it without your leading tackler and with several key contributors banged up? That’s going to test Tennessee’s depth and resilience in a big way.
Here’s how the final injury report shakes out for both teams:
Tennessee Titans
Out:
- LB Cedric Gray (concussion)
- OLB Femi Oladejo (fibula)
- WR Bryce Oliver (knee)*
Questionable:
- CB Jalyn Armour-Davis (Achilles)
- OL Kevin Zeitler (groin)
- OLB Arden Key (illness)
- T Gunnar Helm (toe)
- WR Van Jefferson (back)
- OLB Ali Gaye (knee)*
Kansas City Chiefs
No injuries reported. Everyone is good to go.
The Titans will need to lean on their depth and rally around the healthy core they do have. Against a team like Kansas City, that’s easier said than done. But in the NFL, it’s never just about who’s missing-it’s about who steps up.