Tennessee Titans wide receiver Calvin Ridley is dealing with a hamstring injury. Ridley exited Tennessee's Week 6 contest with the setback and missed last weekend's defeat to the New England Patriots. This week, Ridley missed all three practices with the same injury designation ahead of Sunday's Week 8 showdown versus the Indianapolis Colts.
Interim head coach Mike McCoy officially announced Ridley won't play against the Colts, meaning he'll miss his second consecutive contest. The Titans haven't placed Ridley on IR, which suggests he's nearing a return to action.
Rookie quarterback Cam Ward will miss having Ridley at his disposal in a matchup versus the Colts that the Titans are massive underdogs for. Despite his inconsistencies, Ridley is still Ward's big-play threat when healthy. McCoy's offensive gameplan will have to adjust for his absence.
Titans WR Calvin Ridley won't play in Week 8 versus Colts
Ridley is the Titans' leading receiver this season. He's produced 16 receptions for 290 yards in six appearances. The experienced wideout is averaging an explosive 18.1 yards per catch, and a team-high 48.3 receiving yards per game. Even still, he hasn't met expectations, with injuries and occasional drops limiting his production.
Ward will be forced to rely on his young playmakers against a stout Colts defense. Rookie receiver Chimere Dike enjoyed a breakout game versus the Patriots last weekend, recording four receptions for 70 yards and a touchdown. Dike has been a bright spot in an otherwise disappointing Titans season.
Fellow rookie wideout Elic Ayomanor has been serving as the X-receiver. Gunnar Helm has made the occasional big play. Experienced tight end Chig Okonkwo could also be a high-volume pass catcher with Ridley out of the lineup. Running backs Tony Pollard and Tyjae Spears also need to produce.
Nobody expects the Titans to defeat the Colts. Ridley's absence makes Tennessee even bigger underdogs in a challenging matchup. Ward must get creative offensively without his favorite target in the lineup.