Titans’ injury issues deepen as seven players are ruled out against the Chargers.
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE (AP) – Tennessee’s injury woes have worsened, with three defensive starters among those ruled out for Sunday’s game against the Los Angeles Chargers.
Treylon Burks, a rookie wide receiver, did not practice this week and will miss his second straight game due to a concussion suffered Dec. 4 in Philadelphia. Burks was smacked in the face mask by Eagles defender Marcus Epps during a touchdown grab.
Defensively, the Titans (7-6) will be without starting cornerback Kristian Fulton (groin) for the second consecutive week.
With a knee ailment, starting safety Amani Hooker, who has filled in at cornerback in passing situations, did not practice on Thursday or Friday. He was also found ineligible, while rookie cornerback Tre Avery is still in the concussion protocol.
The Titans had hoped that defensive tackle Denico Autry, who leads the club with seven sacks, would be able to return from a knee injury that had held him out for the previous three games. He practiced on Wednesday and Thursday but did not practice on Friday and is now out.
Running back Dontrell Hilliard, who was taken off the field in last week’s loss to Jacksonville with a neck injury, and wide receiver C.J. Board (rib) will also miss the game.
The Titans have another day to bring back starter inside linebacker Zach Cunningham and safety Lonnie Johnson from injured reserve. Both began their 21-day return period this week. This season, they’ve utilized 80 players, including 25 different defensive starts.
Coach Mike Vrabel said offensive lineman Dillon Radunz, who has started four games at guard this season, may play despite not playing in the Jacksonville loss. Radunz was the 53rd overall pick in the 2021 draft out of North Dakota State.
“We will keep working with Dillon,” Vrabel stated. “He did some good things.” He’s filled in at a few different spots for us. We’ll try to find out where he is. We’ll see where things go on Sunday, and there’s a big chance he’ll play several roles.”
The Titans have allowed 10 sacks in the last two games, both losses, after allowing only 25 sacks in the first 11 games of the season.
