The Tennessee Titans will catch a break this week, as Indianapolis Colts defensive end Kemoko Turay has been downgraded to OUT in Week 2.
The Tennessee Titans will avoid a top pass-rusher in Week 2 after Indianapolis Colts defensive end Kemoko Turay was downgraded to OUT for Sunday’s game.
Kemoko Turay out tomorrow in Tennessee (neck). Big loss for Colts’ pass rush. Turay was outstanding in Week 1.
— Zak Keefer (@zkeefer) September 14, 2019
Turay has been dealing with a neck injury and didn’t practice all week. The 2018 second-round pick was originally listed as doubtful, so his being ruled out doesn’t come as much of a surprise.
Turay was a force in Week 1 against the Los Angeles Chargers. The 24-year-old posted two tackles (one solo), one sack and one forced fumble en route to the highest Pro Football Focus grade among all edge rushers during the opening week.
Kemoko Turay finished with the top @PFF grade for all EDGE rushers in Week 1 = 95.6
— Locked On Colts Podcast (@LockedOnColts) September 10, 2019
The leap is happening for another #Colts 2018 draft pick! pic.twitter.com/lqGwyu3Xik
This is obviously great news for the Titans, who seem to have everything going their way lately. Turay could have created some real problems for the Titans’ offensive line, but now that group has one less talented pass-rusher to worry about.
Without Turay and fellow defensive end Jabaal Sheard, who was ruled out on Friday and missed the regular season opener, the Colts will be thin in the pass-rush department.
4 QB pressures and a strip sack vs Chargers last week.#Titans https://t.co/tGOZmfjiHr
— Chris Harris (@ChrisHarrisWSMV) September 14, 2019
Granted, Justin Houston is still a force to be reckoned with, however Indy just won’t be the same without two of their better defenders.
The Titans offensive line was challenged in Week 1, and despite some hiccups, the group upfront fared pretty well. Going into a Week 2 game in which the Colts are down two pass-rushers is certainly a reprieve, but this Titans O-line can take nothing for granted.
The Titans will once again look to establish the running game with Derrick Henry against a lackluster Colts run defense, which should allow Marcus Mariota to thrive with the play action pass, and now it looks like he’ll have more time to throw when dropping back.
Offensive coordinator Arthur Smith had a sensational gameplan dialed up for Week 1, so we’ll see what he has in store for the Colts in Week 2. Whatever the case may be, his job will be a little easier without Turay suiting up.