Tennessee Titans offensive tackle Dennis Kelly limped off the field and left practice early on Sunday.
Some potentially concerning news coming out of Tennessee Titans training camp on Sunday, as offensive tackle Dennis Kelly limped off the field and left practice early.
UPDATE: A huge sigh of relief, as Kelly just seems to have been dealing with some dehydration. Head coach Mike Vrabel says he should be fine.
Tackle Dennis Kelly left practice early today. Vrabel said because of dehydration. @Titans
— Jim Wyatt (@jwyattsports) July 28, 2019
Vrabel said he believes Dennis Kelly will be find. Said it may be somewhat related to dehydration.
— Terry McCormick (@terrymc13) July 28, 2019
End of Update
Terry McCormick of Titan Insider reports that Kelly might have been injured during practice and limped off to the trainer’s room.
Dennis Kelly limping off after first play of team period this drill. Goes into training room
— Terry McCormick (@terrymc13) July 28, 2019
A to Z Sports Nashville noted it happened during 11 on 11 drills.
LT Dennis Kelly limped off the field in 11-on-11 drills. In the training room now
— AtoZ Sports Nashville (@AtoZSports) July 28, 2019
No word yet on just what is bothering Kelly, but it is troublesome nonetheless. We should know more once practice concludes and the media speaks to head coach Mike Vrabel.
Kelly, who was initially expected to battle for the right tackle spot with Jack Conklin during camp, was thrust into the role as the team’s left tackle now that Taylor Lewan is facing a four-game suspension.
Lewan tested positive for the banned substance, Ostarine. While he says he didn’t knowingly take it and plans to appeal, things aren’t looking good for Lewan avoiding a suspension.
Kelly was the No. 18 graded tackle in the NFL last season in place of Conklin, and he should be a serviceable replacement for Lewan. That will obviously change drastically if this injury is anything more than a minor issue.
Should Kelly be dealing with something more than a short-term issue, the Titans could deploy Kevin Pamphile at left tackle. The veteran did a nice job filling in for Lewan early on last season and could find himself in the same spot this year if Kelly can’t go.
Of course, Pamphile is a natural guard and is in the midst of his own positional battle with rookie Nate Davis for right guard. If Pamphile is sent in to takeover at left tackle, Davis could win the job by default.