Medical Updates on Tennessee Titans Starters
- Tennessee Titans
- 11/26/2025 11:51:31 PM
For the Tennessee Titans, keeping starters healthy is critical to competing in the AFC South—and medical updates on key players shape everything from game-day lineups to long-term roster planning. These updates, released by the team’s medical staff in coordination with coaches and front-office personnel, provide transparency on injuries, recovery progress, and return timelines. Medical Updates on Tennessee Titans Starters isn’t just about sharing injury news; it’s about managing fan expectations, guiding in-game substitutions, and ensuring players receive the care needed to avoid re-injury. From minor tweaks like ankle sprains to season-threatening issues like ACL tears, each update offers insight into the Titans’ ability to adapt and maintain competitiveness throughout the season.
Medical Updates on Tennessee Titans Starters begins with the team’s most vital offensive player: running back Derrick Henry. As of the latest update (November 2025), Henry is listed as “questionable” for the upcoming game against the Houston Texans due to a mild hamstring strain suffered in practice. The Titans’ medical staff reports the strain is grade 1—meaning only minor muscle fibers are damaged—and Henry has responded well to treatment, including targeted stretching, ultrasound therapy, and light cardio. He participated in limited practice on Wednesday and Thursday, focusing on non-contact drills to avoid further stress on the hamstring. Head athletic trainer Tom Smith emphasized that the team is taking a cautious approach: “Derrick’s health is our top priority. A grade 1 strain typically heals in 1-2 weeks, but we won’t rush him back if there’s any risk of turning it into a more severe injury.” If Henry is inactive, the Titans will rely on backup running back Tyjae Spears, who has averaged 4.8 yards per carry this season. This update highlights how even minor injuries to star players can shift the Titans’ offensive strategy, forcing coaches to adjust their run-pass balance and game plan.

Medical Updates on Tennessee Titans Starters next focuses on quarterback Will Levis, who has been dealing with a lingering shoulder issue since Week 8. The latest update confirms Levis has a low-grade AC joint sprain in his throwing shoulder—an injury caused by a hard hit during a sack against the Jacksonville Jaguars. The Titans’ medical team has implemented a treatment plan that includes rest, anti-inflammatory medication, and a modified throwing program to reduce strain on the joint. Levis was a full participant in practice this week, but the staff has limited his reps in contact drills to prevent exacerbation. “Will’s shoulder has improved significantly over the past two weeks,” Smith noted. “He’s able to throw with full velocity in non-contact settings, and our imaging shows no further damage to the AC joint.” While Levis is expected to start against the Texans, the Titans have added quarterback Ryan Tannehill to the active roster as a precaution—a move that underscores the team’s commitment to avoiding a quarterback crisis. This update reflects the delicate balance between keeping a starter on the field and protecting him from a long-term injury that could derail the season.
Medical Updates on Tennessee Titans Starters shifts to the defensive line, where star tackle Jeffery Simmons is recovering from a knee injury. Simmons underwent arthroscopic surgery in early October to repair a minor meniscus tear, and the latest update (November 2025) shows he’s ahead of schedule in his rehabilitation. He returned to full practice last week, participating in all defensive drills and recording two sacks in a scout-team session. The Titans’ medical staff credits Simmons’ work ethic and the team’s rehabilitation program— which included strength training for the quadriceps and hamstrings, aquatic therapy to reduce joint pressure, and gradual reintroduction to contact—for his quick recovery. “Jeffery’s commitment to his rehab has been exceptional,” Smith said. “We initially projected a 4-6 week recovery, but he’s back in three weeks and looking like his usual self.” The return of Simmons is a major boost for the Tennessee Titans’ defense, which ranked 22nd in sacks without him. His presence will help the Titans generate more interior pressure, a key to slowing down AFC South quarterbacks like C.J. Stroud and Trevor Lawrence. This update demonstrates how effective medical care and player dedication can minimize the impact of a significant injury.
Medical Updates on Tennessee Titans Starters includes secondary standout Roger McCreary, who has been sidelined with a concussion since Week 9. The latest update confirms McCreary has cleared the NFL’s concussion protocol, which requires players to pass a series of cognitive and physical tests before returning to action. He completed the final phase of the protocol—full-contact practice—on Friday, showing no symptoms like dizziness or headaches. The Titans’ medical staff worked closely with McCreary throughout his recovery, providing cognitive therapy to address memory and focus, and monitoring his sleep patterns to ensure proper rest. “Concussions are taken very seriously in the NFL, and we followed every step of the protocol to ensure Roger is fully healthy,” Smith explained. “He’s passed all tests with flying colors, and we’re confident he’s ready to play.” McCreary’s return is crucial for the Tennessee Titans’ secondary, which struggled to cover slot receivers without him—allowing an average of 115 passing yards per game to slot targets during his absence. His presence will help the Titans shore up their pass defense, a key to winning divisional matchups. This update highlights the NFL’s strict concussion protocols and the Titans’ commitment to player safety.
Medical Updates on Tennessee Titans Starters concludes with offensive tackle Andre Dillard, who is recovering from a high ankle sprain. Dillard suffered the injury in Week 7 against the Indianapolis Colts, and the latest update shows he’s in the final stages of rehabilitation. He participated in limited contact drills this week, focusing on lateral movement and pass-blocking techniques to rebuild strength in the ankle. The Titans’ medical staff expects Dillard to return to the starting lineup in Week 12, just in time for a critical game against the Jaguars. “High ankle sprains are tricky because they involve the ligaments that stabilize the ankle joint,” Smith said. “We’ve taken a gradual approach to Dillard’s rehab, ensuring he regains full range of motion and strength before returning to contact.” The return of Dillard is a big win for the Tennessee Titans’ offensive line, which allowed six sacks in the two games he missed. His ability to protect the quarterback’s blindside will be essential for the Titans as they make a push for the playoffs. This update wraps up the full picture of the Titans’ starter health, showing how the team’s medical staff, coaches, and players work together to overcome injuries. Medical Updates on Tennessee Titans Starters is, at its core, a story of resilience—of a team that uses effective medical care and strategic planning to keep its key players on the field and compete at the highest level.