Every NFL team hopes to escape the preseason unscathed. Unfortunately for the Tennessee Titans, that was not the case in their exhibition victory over the San Francisco 49ers. The Titans lost defensive end Jaylen Harrell and tight end Jaren Kanak to season-ending injuries in the win, head coach Robert Saleh confirmed with reporters after Saturday afternoon's closed training camp practice.
Harrell suffered a torn ACL injury. Kanak suffered a torn pectoral muscle injury. Both players will be placed on season-ending IR, creating two spots on the 90-man roster.
Both Harrell and Kanak were included in our latest 53-man roster projection. Their injuries create opportunities at defensive end and tight end. The Titans must respond accordingly.
Tennessee Titans lose DE Jaylen Harrell, TE Jaren Kanak to season-ending injuries in preseason victory over San Francisco 49ers
The Titans spent a seventh-round pick on Kanak. The former Oklahoma standout had been routinely making plays at training camp. Kanak's upside on offense, paired with his rookie status and special teams upside, essentially guaranteed him a spot on the 53-man roster.
Gunnar Helm and Daniel Bellinger are the unquestioned starters at tight end. Kanak had been in contention for a role behind them. His injury creates more opportunities for David Martin-Robinson and Kylen Granson, who could both now make the roster as a result.
Meanwhile Harrell was the overwhelming favorite to be the fifth defensive end behind Jermaine Johnson II, Jacob Martin, Keldric Faulk, and Femi Oladejo. Harrell is an ascending player who finished 2025 with 4.5 sacks in his final five games. He'd been growing under Saleh, and his injury is such an unfortunate personal setback.
The Titans could look towards the waiver wire for Harrell's replacement. Alternatively, fringe roster players like Malik Herring and Truman Jones could benefit from increased reps at practice.
The Titans will be without both Kanak and Harrell until at least 2027.
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