There was a glimmer of hope that Tennessee Titans quarterback Ryan Tannehill could return from an ankle injury in time for the team’s Week 18 do-or-die game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, but that will not happen.
Just hours before the team’s Week 17 contest against the Dallas Cowboys, the Titans announced they have placed Tannehill on injured reserve, which will end his 2022 season.
Tannehill re-injured his ankle during the Week 15 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers. Tannehill had surgery last week but clearly won’t be able to return as soon as hoped.
Rookie quarterback Malik Willis started last week in place of Tannehill, but the Titans have decided to roll with journeyman signal-caller Josh Dobbs instead of Willis for Week 17.
It isn’t clear if the Titans plan on sticking with Dobbs in Week 18. That will likely depend on what he shows on Thursday night.
In addition to placing Tannehill on injured reserve, the Titans also put outside linebacker Bud Dupree and linebacker Zach Cunningham on the list.
Dupree signed a five-year, $82.5 million contract in 2021, and while he has shown flashes of being a difference-maker for this defense, injuries have led to a very disappointing tenure overall.
Cunningham was claimed off waivers last season and has been unable to stay healthy in 2022 thanks to a nagging elbow injury. He hasn’t played well when on the field, either.
With the futures of all three of these players beyond this season uncertain, it’s very possible all three might have played their last snaps for Tennessee.
Now, a look at the rest of the moves the Titans made.
Promoted to 53-man roster: OLB Sam Okuayinonu
A 2022 UDFA signing of the Titans, Okuayinonu has spent time between the active roster and practice squad this season, appearing in five games and tallying a half of a sack. He’ll provide depth with Dupree sidelined.
Promoted to 53-man roster: RB Jonathan Ward
With Derrick Henry out, Ward will provide a little experience to a backfield that sports two rookies. Ward played for the Titans last week but only saw special teams snaps.
Promoted to 53-man roster: LB Andre Smith
Smith will be a depth option with Cunningham back on the shelf, but he’ll likely do most of his work on special teams, where he played 18 snaps last week. Jack Gibbens and Monty Rice are expected to start.
Elevated from practice squad: DL Jayden Peevy
Peevy has been on the Titans’ practice squad all season long but has yet to play in a game. He could see some snaps with both Denico Autry and Jeffery Simmons not playing.
Elevated from practice squad: OL Zack Johnson
Tennessee’s offensive line is bad and banged-up. Johnson will provide an emergency depth option on Thursday night.
