While the status of Tennessee Titans right guard Daniel Brunskill remains up in the air, it appears the team will be without one of its starting cornerbacks, Sean Murphy-Bunting, in Week 10.
According to head coach Mike Vrabel, Murphy-Bunting, who exited the Week 9 game after one series with a thumb injury, will not practice once again on Wednesday and is doubtful to play in Week 10.
This is obviously a big blow for Tennessee’s defense, as SMB has been arguably the team’s best cornerback this season in a secondary that has struggled mightily overall.
He’ll likely be replaced by second-year cornerback Tre Avery, who has given up completions on 85 percent of the passes thrown his way (17-of-20) for 141 yards and one touchdown in seven games played.
CB Sean Murphy-Bunting will not practice today. He is DOUBTFUL for #Titans in Tampa on Sunday.
— Sam Phalen (@Sam_Phalen) November 8, 2023
As for Brunskill, Vrabel didn’t provide a status for his chances of playing against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers but we now know he’s dealing with an ankle injury. The veteran right guard was spotted with a brace on his right ankle before practice.
LB Azeez Al-Shaair, OL Daniel Brunskill also not practicing for #Titans today.
— Sam Phalen (@Sam_Phalen) November 8, 2023
Daniel Brunskill was in the locker room with a brace on his right ankle. He was hurting after almost every play vs the Steelers.
— TURRON DAVENPORT (@TDavenport_NFL) November 8, 2023
While the outlook for Brunskill isn’t great right now, Terry McCormick of Titan Insider did report on Tuesday that he’s expected to play through his injury.
Being told that #Titans RG Daniel Brunskill is plenty banged up, but will likely play through his issues.
— Terry McCormick (@terrymc13) November 7, 2023
The Titans’ options to replace Brunskill are Dillon Radunz and Corey Levin, but the Titans should roll with the latter and allow Radunz to take over at left tackle instead of running Andre Dillard back out there with Nicholas Petit-Frere on the shelf.
Dillon Radunz said he is hoping for more opportunities after his play in Pittsburgh. Said he could get some practice work at RG with Brunskill dealing with an ankle issue.
— Terry McCormick (@terrymc13) November 8, 2023
The Titans may also have a void at right tackle if Chris Hubbard can’t return from a concussion, but the veteran is on track to play after it was revealed on Tuesday he’d practice this week.
Even if Hubbard sits, Dillard still shouldn’t be an option upfront after another disastrous showing in Week 9. Instead, Radunz and rookie Jaelyn Duncan should get the call at left and right tackle, respectively.