Titans: David Fluellen knee surgery opens door for Jeremy McNichols
Tennessee Titans running back, David Fluellen, reportedly had knee surgery, which now opens the door for Jeremy McNichols.
With Tennessee Titans running back David Fluellen having undergone knee surgery, the door is now open for fellow back, Jeremy McNichols, to make the roster.
Paul Kuharsky shared the news that Fluellen, the team’s favorite to be the No. 3 running back behind Derrick Henry and Dion Lewis, had knee surgery recently. Kuharsky also says that Fluellen could be ready for the season opener.
"Running back David Fluellen is working to return from knee surgery and could be ready to play in the Titans’ season opener in Cleveland on Sept. 8."
While it isn’t clear when Fluellen got hurt, he’s been absent for quite some time now. With Fluellen out and Henry dealing with his own injury that he just returned from, McNichols has seen plenty of first-team reps, and has thrived in the process.
Aside from shining at practice, McNichols has put together two solid preseason games for Tennessee. He led the Titans in rushing during Preseason Week 1, and scored on a 15-yard catch-and-run in Preseason Week 2.
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In total, McNichols has 14 carries for 57 yards (4.1 yards per carry) and one receiving touchdown through two preseason games. He’s been the clear No. 1 option for the Titans with Lewis seeing limited reps as the clear-cut No. 2 back for 2019.
Now that Fluellen is uncertain for the start of the season, the Titans may decide to carry a fourth back.
Fluellen’s chances for making the roster remain pretty safe, even with his current status because he was expected to play some fullback this season after adding weight during the offseason.
The Titans can’t go into the season with just two healthy backs, thus McNichols has a golden opportunity to make the roster. In Fluellen’s absence, the Titans could decide to have one of their better blocking tight ends cover his role.
Of course, this changes drastically if Fluellen can make it back for Week 1, however the prospect of McNichols making the roster has never looked better. It might have taken an injury for him to do so, but McNichols has earned every right for consideration to be with the Titans when the season starts.