The Tennessee Titans made a roster move on Thursday, and it could be a bad sign for center Ben Jones.
With the Tennessee Titans re-signing offensive lineman Hroniss Grasu on Thursday, it could be a bad sign for the availability of center Ben Jones in Week 9 against the Carolina Panthers.
Along with the move to bring back Grasu, who has played predominantly at center during his career, the Titans waived wide receiver/kick returner Darius Jennings in a corresponding move. Wide receiver Kalif Raymond will now take over kick returning duties.
Jones was one of two Titans O-linemen who suffered a concussion against the Bucs, as left guard Rodger Saffold was also forced into the concussion protocol. So, this move could be based on concern for the Week 9 availability of either or both players.
However, it’s certainly within reason that Jones is the bigger concern right now, as the only difference between he and Saffold’s current status is that Saffold at least got in a limited practice on Wednesday, while Jones did not practice at all.
That leaves Jones’ status in more doubt than Saffold’s for Week 9, thus the Titans feeling the need to add some depth at center ahead of Sunday. If Jones can’t go, the Titans would likely roll with Jamil Douglas as the starter, which would be a major downgrade for sure.
After Week 5, Pro Football Focus ranked Jones as the second-best center in the NFL this season and he has been the one constant for the Titans on the interior of their offensive line.
Also at risk is Jones’ impressive streak of never having missed a game during his career. In fact, Jones has made 88 consecutive starts dating back to his time with the Houston Texans.
This is troubling news to say the least. The Panthers have the second-most sacks in the NFL through Week 8, and that’s with them already having their bye week. Of Carolina’s 30 sacks, 7.5 of them have come from the interior of its defensive line.