The Tennessee Titans experienced several injuries during Sunday’s overtime loss to the Indianapolis Colts, but none were more serious than the one that occurred to punter Ryan Stonehouse.
On what was the second-straight thwarted punt of the game, Stonehouse took a hit that led to his leg bending in an awkward direction. It was immediately assumed Stonehouse had suffered a serious injury.
Sure enough, head coach Mike Vrabel revealed on Monday that Stonehouse needs surgery and will miss the remainder of the season. The exact injury remains unknown, though, but we do know it’s a knee issue.
“Stoney is going to have to have surgery, and get fixed, and come back stronger than ever and ready to go,” Vrabel said, per Jim Wyatt. “(We) certainly don’t want to lose players, and that’s unfortunate.”
This is absolutely awful news for Stonehouse, who has been one of the league’s best punters since entering the NFL as an undrafted free agent with Tennessee in 2022, making him a fan favorite.
The Colorado State product had a record-breaking rookie campaign and was once again among the league leaders in several categories.
The news of Stonehouse’s season-ending injury left fans and media bummed. Check out the reaction below:
#Titans Ryan Stonehouse out for season. One of the best punters in the league is headed for IR. pic.twitter.com/MZj0JpVlsX
— Two-Tone Blue (@Titans_____) December 4, 2023
Incredibly unfortunate. https://t.co/wx96GL4tgm
— Paul Kuharsky (@PaulKuharskyNFL) December 4, 2023
Brutal blow for Stoney who was on the brink of another pro bowl/all pro season https://t.co/zKQ8JAEzHv
— Puntalytics (@ThePuntRunts) December 4, 2023
We just got significantly worse. He was flipping the field and giving us so much of an advantage.
Hope we see Brett Kern return now. https://t.co/ISE690Sj0r
— Christian (@christivnr___) December 4, 2023
Never been so upset about a punter getting hurt https://t.co/ud2iKuyhEH
— Alex Cubitt (@Cubitt16) December 4, 2023
Don't want to be alive anymore https://t.co/9wjfGxnBBI
— Don Merryfield (@DonMerryfield) December 4, 2023
@Nate_Tice a loss we will all suffer from https://t.co/gArqMPijwp
— Brandon Slocum (@bslocum92) December 4, 2023
That is horrible news. https://t.co/pj58BAARnU
— MaximusTitanFan (@MaximusTitanFan) December 4, 2023
pain…. https://t.co/ka0VzIzrsC
— tez ⚔️ (@paIms__) December 4, 2023
@_RyanStonehouse Get Well Soon Brodie…we Praying for you & a smooth, fast recovery.
Your the Best in the League, and you will come back even stronger.
God Bless Stoney! 😎👊🏽⚔🔥#TitanUp #Titans pic.twitter.com/RcCNKDoRpx
— Isaac A. Martinez (@DatCaliDudeUno) December 4, 2023
As expected, Ryan Stonehouse will be shelved for the season. Best wishes to him in his recovery #Titans https://t.co/leNJMgN1PO
— Max Greenberg (@MaxGreenberg176) December 4, 2023
Can’t wait to see you back better than ever, hope recovery is smooth and we’ll see ya soon big guy @_RyanStonehouse #Titans
— Silenttoxic (@Silenttoxic) December 4, 2023
say the word and my leg is yours @_RyanStonehouse https://t.co/NqwJOrWUyo
— stej (@stejthoughts) December 4, 2023