Titans Face Challenges Ahead of Patriots Matchup
As the Tennessee Titans gear up for their Week 7 showdown against the New England Patriots, they will do so without some key contributors. The team is navigating through personnel hurdles as they prepare for their first game under interim head coach Mike McCoy.
Calvin Ridley Out with Hamstring Injury
Wide receiver Calvin Ridley has been ruled out for the upcoming contest due to a hamstring injury sustained during the Titans’ Week 6 clash against the Las Vegas Raiders. Ridley’s absence is a significant blow to the Titans’ offense, which has already been grappling with various challenges.
With Ridley sidelined, the Titans will rely heavily on their rookie quarterback Cam Ward. He will need to connect with a mix of emerging talents and seasoned players, including rookies Chimere Dike and Elic Ayomanor, as well as veterans Tyler Lockett and Van Jefferson. The team’s ability to move the ball effectively will hinge on this new arrangement, as they look to maintain offensive momentum.
Defensive Setbacks
The Titans will also miss linebacker Arden Key, who is out for a second consecutive game after sustaining a quad injury during the team’s Week 5 victory against the Arizona Cardinals. Key’s absence further complicates the Titans’ pass rush strategy, prompting reliance on Jihad Ward to step up in this critical role.
Offensive Line Adjustments
In addition to Ridley and Key, offensive lineman Blake Hance will miss his second straight game due to a shoulder injury. The Titans have made adjustments along the offensive line, starting JC Latham, Kevin Zeitler, Lloyd Cushenberry III, Peter Skoronski, and Dan Moore Jr. This marks their first game without Bill Callahan, who previously coached the offensive line.
Secondary and Other Inactives
Cornerback Samuel Womack has been designated as a healthy scratch for the sixth time in seven weeks, indicating that the Titans feel confident in their depth with L’Jarius Sneed and Marcus Harris, both of whom were limited in practice leading up to the game.
Rookie offensive tackle Brandon Crenshaw-Dickson will also be inactive for a second week, having participated in only two games this season. Meanwhile, wide receiver Bryce Oliver continues to recover from a knee injury sustained in Week 2, despite being limited in practice recently.
Defensive lineman C.J. Ravenell, who has appeared in the last five games, is considered a healthy scratch this week. He has logged just 30 snaps this season, primarily contributing on defense and special teams.
With the Titans contending with these injuries and inactives, they will need to dig deep and adapt quickly if they hope to secure a victory against the Patriots. The stage is set for a test of depth and resolve as they face a challenging opponent in New England.
