The Tennessee Titans are struggling mightily on offense. They did not need another problem to sort through for Sunday's Week 4 showdown with the Baltimore Ravens, but they have one anyway. Both right guards Fernando Carmona and Jackson Slater were placed on IR, meaning they'll miss a minimum of four games.
Losing Carmona is a huge blow. Arguably the biggest positive development of the Titans' early-season struggles, the fifth-round rookie had been playing well at right guard. Slater, his replacement, also injured his foot against the New York Giants in Week 3. Both players underwent surgery.
The Titans will start Plan C at right guard versus the Ravens on Sunday. It represents a challenge an already struggling offense didn't need. Robert Saleh and Brian Daboll have to assess the possibilities throughout the week of practice.
Titans dealing with multiple injuries at RG vs. Ravens in Week 4
Realistically, the Titans have two options. Journeyman NFL guard Atonio Mafi is on the 53-man roster after being claimed off waivers earlier this season. After placing Carmona and Slater on IR, they promoted practice squad guard Garrett Dellinger back onto the 53.
It's worth remembering Dellinger was the biggest surprise inclusion on the initial 53-man roster. He was eventually released to make room for a plethora of waiver claims, but quickly signed back to the practice squad. The Titans were obviously very pleased with Dellinger throughout training camp and the preseason. He did not allow a single pressure or sack during three exhibition games, according to Pro Football Focus.
The Titans also have rookie center Pat Coogan. He previously played guard at Notre Dame before settling into a full-time role at center at Indiana. Coogan is familiar with guard, but it would be surprising if the Titans chose to disrupt his behind-the-scenes development at center.
Titans should start Garrett Dellinger at RG in Week 4
Dellinger feels like the straightforward choice. He was kept on the initial roster over veteran Cordell Volson, who was in contention to win the job outright. Dellinger is more familiar with Daboll and position coach Carmen Bricillo than Mafi is, having spent the entire offseason in Tennessee.
Whatever the Titans decide, it'll be tough sledding against this Ravens defensive front. They have two excellent defenders on the interior in Nnamdi Madubuike and Travis Jones. A struggling Titans offense just got thrown another unexpected curveball for Week 4.
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