The Tennessee Titans are set to welcome back a key piece of their defense in 2023 when Harold Landry returns following a 2022 season in which he didn’t see the field due to a torn ACL he suffered prior to the start of the campaign.
It was a big blow for Tennessee’s pass-rush after Landry led the team with a career-high 12 sacks in 2021, earning him his first Pro Bowl nod.
Landry was not on the field for the offseason program, but head coach Mike Vrabel did provide somewhat of an update, stating he’s pleased with how things are coming along with the 27-year-old.
“He looks really good,” Vrabel said, per Jim Wyatt of Titans Online. “He’s engaged in the meetings, and it’s good to go in there and see Denico (Autry) and Arden (Key) and Harold in there in the meetings, with (the coaches) and the young players that are in there. So it’s a really good mix.”
Titans outside linebackers coach Ryan Crow echoed Vrabel’s sentiments, saying Landry is working on both his body and mind this offseason.
“He is obviously working on his body, and he’s taking care of that,” Crow said. “But he has also put his mind into it as well, and he’s been involved in meetings. He stops by the office, and we watch film together. We communicate regularly. It’s like he’s there, except for when we go to practice, he’s doing his deal to get back.
“In terms of being his coach, it’s awesome to see him be happy with where he is headed physically, but also taking a step back and learning some other things and watching some film and getting creative. I know he’s excited to get back and try things out. I am excited for his progress.”
As expected, Vrabel and Crow stopped short of giving a timeline for Landry to return to the practice field.
However, there’s been no indication he’s in danger of not being ready for the start of the season. We’ll certainly get a better idea of where he stands when training camp rolls around on July 25.
Assuming Landry will be ready, the biggest question is, will he be himself in his first year back from the injury?
That’s never a guarantee for a player coming off a torn ACL, but even at less than 100 percent of his normal self, Landry’s return will still provide a big boost for Tennessee’s defense.
