First Titans injury report for Week 7 is telling
By Justin Melo
The Tennessee Titans released their first injury report of the week on Wednesday ahead of Sunday's clash versus the Buffalo Bills. Running back Tyjae Spears was absent from practice with a hamstring injury. Defensive lineman Keondre Coburn was also sidelined for the session.
Starting quarterback Will Levis was limited with an ongoing shoulder injury he plans to continue playing through. L'Jarius Sneed also missed Wednesday's practice with a quad injury, but is expected to play.
The Titans have yet to completely rule Spears out, though head coach Brian Callahan called him "week to week" just days ago. General manager Ran Carthon also added running back Joshua Kelley to the practice squad, possibly indicating the Titans are preparing for Spears to miss time. Tony Pollard and Julius Chestnut are currently the two healthy backs on the active roster. Jabari Small is also on the practice squad and could be a standard game-day elevation on Sunday.
Spears rushed for 27 yards via six attempts in last weekend's defeat to the Indianapolis Colts before suffering the lower-leg injury. The former Tulane standout averaged a season-best 4.5 yards per carry when taking minimum qualifiers into account. Spears has rushed for 114 yards and one touchdown this season, adding 19 catches for 82 additional receiving yards to his offensive totals.
Pollard will be Callahan's workhorse if Spears misses Sunday's trip to Buffalo. Pollard rushed for 93 yards and a touchdown via 17 attempts against the Colts. One of Ran Carthon's prized free agent signings, the dual-threat back has scampered for 339 yards and three touchdowns in six appearances, and has arguably been their best playmaker on offense.
Coburn is expected to miss his second consecutive contest this weekend. The former Texas Longhorn suffered an injury in the first quarter of Week 4's victory over the Miami Dolphins, and was sidelined for the Colts game despite having the Week 5 bye to heal. Coburn must be nearing a return, because the Titans opted against placing him on IR. T'Vonre Sweat and Jeffery Simmons played their heaviest workloads of the season against the Colts as a result.
Callahan also briefly discussed safety Jamal Adams, who was recently placed on the reserve/non-football injury list. Adams is reportedly displeased with his playing time this season. He's totaled just 20 defensive snaps.
Elsewhere, Ernest Jones did not practice with an illness. Treylon Burks was limited with a knee injury. DeAndre Hopkins, Jeffery Simmons, and Kenneth Murray enjoyed rest days.