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Tennessee Titans: Jeffery Simmons’ drive motivated Jurrell Casey

By Michael Moraitis

JACKSONVILLE, FL - DECEMBER 30: Jeffery Simmons #94 of the Mississippi State Bulldogs in action against the Louisville Cardinals during the TaxSlayer Bowl at EverBank Field on December 30, 2017 in Jacksonville, Florida. The Bulldogs won 31-27. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
JACKSONVILLE, FL - DECEMBER 30: Jeffery Simmons #94 of the Mississippi State Bulldogs in action against the Louisville Cardinals during the TaxSlayer Bowl at EverBank Field on December 30, 2017 in Jacksonville, Florida. The Bulldogs won 31-27. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
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When Tennessee Titans defensive lineman Jurrell Casey was watching Jeffery Simmons rehab, he got the motivation to work even harder.

Tennessee Titans defensive lineman Jeffery Simmons is so driven in his rehab from a torn ACL that it motivated defensive tackle Jurrell Casey to work harder to return from his own injury.

Casey started off training camp on the PUP list, but has since returned to practice and looks to be ready for the start of the season. Before that, he was working with Simmons while the pair were rehabbing from their respective injuries.

In that process, Casey says he was motivated by Simmons because of how hard the rookie worked, per ESPN’s Turron Davenport.

"Simmons is making an impact with veterans, too. Casey said he got motivation from Simmons to push himself more and joked that the trainers have to tell Simmons to slow down."

As Simmons continues his rehab, it’s clear that Casey is teaching him a thing or two, as head coach Mike Vrabel pointed out.

“I think it’s really positive that Jurrell’s with them to be able to explain the technique when [Simmons] hears a coach say it, and also show him the technique, because Jurrell’s been with us, and he’s doing it, and does it pretty naturally,” Vrabel explained.

Simmons couldn’t have a better teacher than the four-time Pro Bowler, that’s for sure.

The Mississippi State product has been doing work on side fields while the Titans practice, and while he has looked good, there is still no timetable for his return.

The best-case scenario seems to be Simmons returning in December, but expectations should be tempered. The Titans could quite possibly hold Simmons out the entire season, which wouldn’t be a bad idea considering the 22-year-old has a long career ahead of him.

A Simmons return at some point in 2019 could be a huge boost for a Titans defense that already looks scary. The defensive line is one of the few question marks remaining on this defense and Simmons might be just what the doctor ordered.

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