Rishard Matthews and Derrick Morgan recovering from knee surgeries

After months of speculation, Paul Kuharsky has uncovered the reason for Rishard Matthews’ and Derrick Morgan’s absences.

During Tennessee Titans HC Mike Vrabel’s first offseason at the helm of the team, a peculiar theme began to create some storylines. Vrabel has played injuries to his players uncomfortably close to the vest, and media have been scrambling for answers ever since before minicamp. Chief among the questions in nearly every Vrabel press conference was WR Rishard Matthews, who hasn’t practiced with the team in months and was snuck onto the PUP list with no announcement.

This afternoon, the Matthews saga was finally given some clarity, as Paul Kuharsky is reporting that Matthews is recovering from a torn meniscus that required surgery.

In addition to Matthews, starting outside linebacker Derrick Morgan suffered a similar injury in last week’s game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Morgan is expected to be ready for action around the time the season starts, though it could be a little longer.

"Morgan could have a chance at being ready for the season opener in Miami on Sept. 9 but it appears to be less likely he can return in that span. Another person with knowledge of the injury said it could be a four-to-five week recovery."

More from Titan Sized

• Tennessee Titans suspiciously quiet about major draft need
• Tennessee Titans agree to new deal with star Jeffery Simmons
• Caesars Promo Code Expires Soon – Claim $1,250 Today
• 3 needs that are being overblown by Tennessee Titans fans
• Tennessee Titans have potential dilemmas in 2023 NFL Draft

As for Matthews, he is expected to come off of the PUP list “as early as next week”. Vrabel actually admitted that he was “excited he (Matthews) is getting close to back”, which is the most transparent Vrabel has been in regards to an injured player during his brief tenure.

With information about Matthews now public, Titans fans can rest easy knowing that the Titans’ leading receiver from the past two seasons will be back in uniform very soon. The Titans’ receiving corps was a big question mark heading into the season with Matthews a relative unknown in terms of his potential for early-season contribution, but that shouldn’t be an issue now.

While Morgan’s injury is a concern, the play of young pass-rushers Harold Landry, Aaron Wallace and Sharif Finch through the first two weeks of preseason point to the Titans being able to rely on them if Morgan misses any regular season time.