Rehab Progress of Tennessee Titans Injured Players

In the NFL, injuries are an unavoidable part of the game—but the path to recovery often defines a player’s career. For the Tennessee Titans, supporting injured players through structured, personalized rehab isn’t just about getting them back on the field—it’s about honoring their dedication and protecting the team’s long-term success. The Titans’ medical staff, led by head athletic trainer Tom Kanavy and orthopedic surgeon Dr. James Andrews, uses a mix of cutting-edge technology (like anti-gravity treadmills and motion capture) and old-school discipline to guide players through recovery. From ACL tears to hamstring strains, each rehab plan is tailored to the player’s position, injury severity, and goals. For fans, tracking this progress offers a glimpse into the resilience of athletes they cheer for—beyond the highlight reels and game stats. Rehab Progress of Tennessee Titans Injured Players takes an in-depth look at key Titans players recovering from injuries, their milestones, and what their return could mean for the team.

Rehab Progress of Tennessee Titans Injured Players begins with Kristian Fulton, Cornerback (ACL Tear)—a key member of the Titans’ secondary who suffered a season-ending injury in Week 10 of the 2024 season. Fulton’s rehab journey started within 48 hours of his surgery, with passive range-of-motion exercises to keep his knee flexible. By Week 4 post-surgery, he was using an anti-gravity treadmill to walk at 50% body weight, gradually increasing to 80% by Week 8. “The first time I took a step without pain, I almost cried,” Fulton said in a recent interview. “It’s the little wins that keep you going.” By Month 3, Fulton added strength training: squats with resistance bands, single-leg deadlifts, and core workouts to stabilize his knee. By Month 6, he was running full speed on the treadmill and practicing change-of-direction drills—critical for a cornerback who needs to mirror wide receivers. Kanavy notes that Fulton is ahead of schedule: “His work ethic is unmatched. He’s in the training room every morning, asking questions and pushing himself. We’re targeting a Week 1 return for the 2025 season, and I’m confident he’ll be ready.” For the Titans, Fulton’s return would shore up a secondary that struggled with depth after his injury, giving them a physical cornerback who can cover top receivers like Jacksonville’s Calvin Ridley.

Next in Rehab Progress of Tennessee Titans Injured Players is Andre Dillard, Offensive Tackle (Hamstring Strain)—a backup tackle who injured his hamstring during a preseason game in 2024, forcing him to miss the first six weeks of the regular season. Unlike ACL tears, hamstring strains require careful management to avoid re-injury—a common risk for linemen who rely on sudden bursts of speed and strength. Dillard’s rehab started with rest and ice to reduce inflammation, followed by foam rolling and static stretching to loosen tight muscles. By Week 2 of rehab, he was doing light resistance band exercises: leg curls, hip abductions, and glute bridges to strengthen the muscles around his hamstring. By Week 4, he added dynamic stretches—high knees, butt kicks, and lateral shuffles—to improve flexibility and range of motion. “Hamstrings are tricky because you can’t rush them,” Dillard said. “Last year, I tried to come back too soon and re-injured it. This time, I’m listening to the staff.” By Week 6, Dillard was practicing with the scout team, doing light blocking drills against defensive linemen. By Week 8, he was back in game action, playing 15 snaps in a win over the Houston Texans. Kanavy credits Dillard’s patience: “He didn’t get frustrated when he couldn’t rush back. He did the work, even when it was boring, and that’s why he avoided a setback. Now, he’s fully healthy and ready to compete for a backup spot in 2025.” For the Titans, Dillard’s recovery is important because it adds depth to an offensive line that needs reliable backups behind Chuma Udoga and Walker Little.

A key offensive player in Rehab Progress of Tennessee Titans Injured Players is Julius Chestnut, Running Back (Ankle Sprain)—a promising young running back who suffered a high-ankle sprain in Week 14 of 2024, sidelining him for the final three games of the season. High-ankle sprains are particularly challenging for running backs, who need to push off their ankles for speed and cut sharply. Chestnut’s rehab began with a walking boot to stabilize the ankle, followed by ultrasound therapy to reduce swelling. By Week 3 of rehab, he was using a balance board to improve ankle stability—critical for avoiding future sprains. “The balance drills were the hardest,” Chestnut said. “You don’t realize how much you rely on your ankle until you can’t stand on one leg for 10 seconds.” By Week 5, Chestnut was running on a treadmill at 70% speed, gradually increasing to full speed by Week 7. By Week 9, he was practicing agility drills: cone drills, ladder drills, and quick cuts—mimicking the moves he’d make on the field. For the Tennessee Titans, Chestnut’s recovery is vital because he’s a potential backup to Hassan Haskins, offering a change-of-pace style (faster and more agile) that complements Haskins’ power. Kanavy says Chestnut is ready for training camp: “He’s passed all our tests—speed, agility, strength. The ankle is strong, and he’s gained confidence in it. I expect him to compete for more snaps in 2025.” Chestnut is eager to prove himself: “I missed the end of last season, and that hurt. This year, I want to show the coaches I can be trusted to stay healthy and contribute.”

Another defensive player in Rehab Progress of Tennessee Titans Injured Players is Monty Rice, Linebacker (Shoulder Separation)—a starter at middle linebacker who injured his shoulder in a Week 8 game against the Indianapolis Colts, forcing him to miss four weeks. Shoulder separations are common for linebackers, who use their shoulders to tackle and shed blocks. Rice’s rehab started with a sling to immobilize the shoulder, followed by gentle range-of-motion exercises: arm circles, cross-body stretches, and shoulder extensions. By Week 2, he added light weightlifting: dumbbell lateral raises, front raises, and rows to strengthen the muscles around the shoulder (deltoids, rotator cuff). “The shoulder is such a complex joint—you have to be careful not to overdo it,” Rice said. “The staff gave me a list of exercises to do at home, and I stuck to it every day.” By Week 4, Rice was practicing tackle drills with a foam dummy, focusing on using his core and legs instead of his shoulder to make contact. By Week 6, he was back in the starting lineup, recording 8 tackles in a win over the New Orleans Saints. For the Tennessee Titans, Rice’s return was critical because he’s a leader in the linebacking corps, calling plays and helping young players like Drew Sanders. Kanavy notes that Rice’s rehab was a model for others: “He did exactly what we asked, when we asked it. He didn’t try to play through pain, and that’s why he recovered so quickly. Now, his shoulder is stronger than it was before the injury.” Rice is grateful for the support: “The staff didn’t just fix my shoulder—they kept me mentally focused. They showed me videos of my best plays to remind me what I was working toward. That meant more than anything.”

Wrapping up Rehab Progress of Tennessee Titans Injured Players is Treylon Burks, Wide Receiver (Knee Contusion)—the Titans’ top wide receiver who suffered a knee contusion in Week 16 of 2024, a minor injury that still required careful management to avoid long-term issues. Unlike ACL tears or sprains, contusions (bruises) are caused by blunt force trauma, but they can lead to swelling and stiffness if not treated properly. Burks’ rehab started with rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE) to reduce swelling. By Day 3, he was doing light leg stretches and using a massage gun to loosen tight muscles. By Day 5, he was running on a treadmill and practicing catching drills—avoiding contact to protect his knee. “I wanted to play in the final two games, but the staff told me to take it easy,” Burks said. “They said one more hit could turn a minor injury into something worse. I trusted them.” By Day 7, Burks was back at practice, doing light route-running with quarterbacks Ryan Tannehill and Malik Willis. By Week 18, he was back in the starting lineup, catching 5 passes for 78 yards in a close loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars. For the Tennessee Titans, Burks’ quick recovery was a relief—losing their top receiver for the final stretch of the season could have derailed their playoff hopes. Kanavy says Burks’ case shows the importance of minor injury management: “Not every injury is a season-ender, but every injury needs attention. If we’d let Treylon play through the contusion, he could have developed tendinitis or a more serious issue. Instead, we treated it early, and he was back in a week.” Burks agrees: “The little things matter. Taking a few days off to heal is better than missing a month. I want to be healthy for the entire 2025 season, and that starts with listening to the staff.” For all Titans injured players, rehab is more than just physical—it’s mental. It’s about staying focused, trusting the process, and remembering that every rep in the training room brings them one step closer to returning to the field they love.