Starting Tennessee Titans left tackle Taylor Lewan could suit up as early as Sunday’s game against the Indianapolis Colts, according to head coach Mike Vrabel. After leaving the field before the start of Week 2’s game versus the Seattle Seahawks, questions have been asked about his timeline for recovery.
Recently, however, Lewan participated in practice this Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, all without a sleeve or brace on his knee.
Don’t believe us? Take a look:
Here’s a look at Taylor Lewan back at work for the #Titans today. pic.twitter.com/NeazPeiKLB
— TURRON DAVENPORT (@TDavenport_NFL) September 22, 2021
Come Week 3’s game against the Colts, Vrabel believes Lewan will be “ready to go and do his job.”
How did a player go from missing a game to being back in (hopefully) full health on the practice field?
Vrabel told reporters in a rather matter-of-fact way: “He was unavailable for the game . He became available, so he practiced.”
Thanks for clearing that up, coach.
Tennessee Titans may start Taylor Lewan at left tackle vs. Colts
Lewan’s potential start in Week 3 should increase the Titans’ odds of beating their inter-division rivals, which currently favor Tennessee.
Tennessee survived without Lewan in Week 2 when they scraped by with a win in Seattle. Despite Lewan’s historically bad season opener, and despite the success of alternates taking his place, the Titans still need Lewan to man the offensive line.
The three-time Pro Bowler and loyal Tennessean has struggled in the past two years after tearing his ACL in October of 2020. Since the start of the 2019 season, Lewan has missed 18 regular-season games, putting an end to his 2016-2018 Pro Bowl streak.
Lewan’s return to the O-line should bring much-needed relief to anxious Titans fans. This is by no means a knock on Ty Sambrailo’s abilities, but Lewan’s seven years of pro experience and veteran leadership do wonders for team morale.
If Lewan does indeed play against Indy on Sunday, expect a huge boost in Titans players’ confidence, and maybe even another invincible performance from Derrick Henry. Left guard Rodger Saffold did not practice on Wednesday but was on the field for a limited basis on Thursday. Lewan’s update is good news, though, so there’s plenty of reason to be optimistic for Week 3.