Tennessee Titans: How Jeffery Simmons impacts the defense

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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Tennessee Titans defensive tackle, Jeffery Simmons, should be ready for action in the Week 7 matchup with the Los Angeles Chargers.

The Tennessee Titans selected defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons in the first round of the 2019 NFL Draft despite knowing of an injury that could delay his debut.

On Wednesday, he hit the practice field for the first time at Saint Thomas Sports Park. Here’s what he had to say about his potential return, per Jim Wyatt of Titans Online.

"“I am just glad to be back out there,” Simmons said. “I have been waiting on this all year, trying to get back healthy. … I just have to trust the process and do what they ask me to do.”"

The former Mississippi State graduate was touted as a potential top-five talent in the draft, and it’s not every day an athlete with such pedigree falls into your lap.

I’ve decided not to address Simmons’ past, as I can’t stand when players are defined by storylines.

For Simmons, the future is now, and the past is just that. The Titans are hoping they’ve added another elite, foundational piece to their already outstanding defense. So, let’s focus on the player, not the story.

How does he affect the pass rush? Can he solidify the defensive line in their quest to shut down the run?  Let’s get into it.