The Tennessee Titans will be without a key piece of their defense when they take the field against the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday. Rookie linebacker Cedric Gray, who’s been a tackling machine all season, remains in concussion protocol and won’t suit up for the Week 16 matchup.
Gray exited last week’s game in San Francisco during the second half after taking a hit, and he hasn’t cleared protocol since. It’s a tough blow for a Titans defense that’s leaned heavily on the first-year starter. Gray has racked up 144 total tackles this season - 85 of them solo - making him the team’s leading tackler and one of the more productive inside linebackers in the league this year.
With Gray sidelined, the next man up is James Williams - a player who’s been waiting for this shot since the summer. Williams ran with the first-team defense through much of the offseason and training camp before Gray eventually overtook him in the preseason. Now, the door swings open again.
“It’s a great opportunity to go and prove what I can do,” Williams said.
Williams brings a unique skill set to the position. Originally a safety, he transitioned to linebacker and was selected by the Titans in the seventh round of the 2024 draft.
While he hasn’t seen much time on defense this season, he’s made his presence felt on special teams. Just two weeks ago, he became the first Titan to block a punt since Tim Shaw did it back in 2012 - a heads-up play that showcased his instincts and athleticism.
Now, he’ll get a chance to show what he can do in the heart of the defense against a high-powered Chiefs offense.
The Titans will also be without a few other contributors. Wide receiver Bryce Oliver (knee) and edge rusher Femi Oladejo (fibula) won’t be activated from injured reserve this week. Defensive lineman Ali Gaye, who’s been working his way back from a knee injury, remains questionable after being designated to return.
Levis Making Progress
There was a familiar face around the facility recently, as quarterback Will Levis checked in to monitor his rehab progress. Levis, who started the majority of last season for Tennessee, underwent surgery on his throwing shoulder before training camp and was placed on season-ending injured reserve.
Interim head coach Mike McCoy shared that Levis has begun throwing again - a promising step in his recovery.
“He was here a couple of weeks back. He came around a month ago or so,” McCoy said.
“He was doing great in his rehab. He was getting excited because he was getting closer to going out to throw and doing all that stuff.
But he looked great. It was good to see him.”
For a Titans team that’s been in flux at the quarterback position, Levis’ progress is an encouraging sign. While he won’t return this season, the fact that he’s throwing again suggests he’s on track to be ready for offseason work - and potentially reclaim his role under center in 2026.
In the meantime, Tennessee will need to lean on its depth as it tries to slow down Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs. With Gray out, Williams steps into the spotlight. And for a defense that’s been up and down this season, every snap - and every replacement - will matter.