Recovery Timelines Affecting Tennessee Titans Lineups

For the Tennessee Titans, injury recovery timelines are more than just medical updates—they’re critical factors that shape the team’s lineup construction, game-day strategies, and overall competitiveness throughout the season. A single player’s recovery timeline can force the Titans to shuffle starters, rely on unproven backups, or adjust their tactical approach, especially when key contributors are sidelined for weeks or months. From offensive linemen protecting quarterback Will Levis to defensive playmakers stopping divisional rivals, each recovery timeline carries ripple effects: a delayed return might lead to a roster move, while a faster-than-expected comeback could reinvigorate a struggling unit. Coaches, trainers, and front-office staff closely monitor these timelines, balancing the need to win now with the risk of re-injury that could derail a player’s season. Recovery Timelines Affecting Tennessee Titans Lineups isn’t just about healing—it’s about how the team adapts to adversity to keep its playoff hopes alive.

One of the most impactful recovery timelines in recent seasons has centered on left tackle Andre Dillard, whose knee sprain during Week 11 of the 2025 season forced the Titans to overhaul their offensive line rotation. Initial medical evaluations projected a 2–3 week recovery for Dillard, a key starter who had allowed just 3 sacks in 11 games. With Dillard sidelined, the Titans turned to backup tackle Jamarco Jones, a sixth-year veteran with limited starting experience, to fill the left tackle spot—a position critical to protecting Levis’ blind side. However, Jones struggled in his first start against the Jacksonville Jaguars, allowing 2 sacks and 3 pressures that disrupted the Titans’ passing game. As Dillard’s recovery entered its third week, the Titans adjusted further, shifting right tackle Taylor Lewan Jr. to the left side and elevating practice squad tackle Isaiah Wilson to start at right tackle. This shuffle created inconsistency: the offensive line allowed 9 sacks in the three games Dillard missed, compared to just 2 sacks in the three games prior. Dillard’s return in Week 14 marked an immediate improvement—he didn’t allow a single pressure in his first game back—and the Titans’ running game (led by Derrick Henry) saw a 15% increase in yards per carry. This timeline underscored how a single lineman’s recovery can stabilize or destabilize an entire unit. Recovery Timelines Affecting Tennessee Titans Lineups often start in the trenches, where even short-term absences can upend offensive rhythm.

In the secondary, cornerback Jarrian Jones’ hamstring injury recovery timeline during the 2025 season highlighted the Titans’ depth challenges and forced adjustments to their pass defense. Jones, a rotational cornerback who had emerged as a reliable nickel option, suffered a Grade 2 hamstring strain in Week 5, with trainers initially estimating a 4–6 week recovery. With Jones sidelined, the Titans had to rely on rookie Montaric Brown and veteran Tre Herndon to split nickel duties. Brown, an undrafted free agent, struggled to contain quick slot receivers—he allowed a 72% completion rate when targeted—and the Titans’ pass defense slipped from 12th to 22nd in yards allowed per game during Jones’ absence. As Jones’ recovery progressed, he returned to limited practice in Week 10, but coaches opted to hold him out for an extra week to avoid re-injury. His full return in Week 12 coincided with a turnaround: the Titans held the Cleveland Browns to just 185 passing yards, and Jones recorded an interception in the end zone to seal the win. This timeline revealed the Titans’ lack of depth at cornerback—a gap the front office later addressed in free agency—and showed how a player’s recovery can directly impact defensive performance against top-tier offenses. Recovery Timelines Affecting Tennessee Titans Lineups often expose roster weaknesses that might otherwise go unnoticed during healthy stretches.

For the Tennessee Titans, running back Derrick Henry’s rib contusion recovery timeline during the 2025 season tested the team’s ability to maintain its run-heavy identity without its franchise player. Henry suffered the injury in Week 11 after a hard hit against the New Orleans Saints, and initial tests ruled out a fracture but warned of soreness that could limit his ability to absorb contact. Trainers projected a 1–2 week recovery, but Henry’s status remained “questionable” leading into Week 12, forcing the Titans to prepare backup Tyjae Spears as the starter. Spears, a smaller, more agile back, rushed for 89 yards in his first start but struggled in short-yardage situations—he converted just 1 of 4 third-and-1 attempts—highlighting Henry’s irreplaceable role in the Titans’ offense. Henry returned to practice in a limited capacity during Week 12, but coaches decided to hold him out for one more game to ensure he was fully healthy. His return in Week 13 against the Houston Texans was a game-changer: he rushed for 132 yards and 2 touchdowns, leading the Titans to a 24–17 win that kept their wild-card hopes alive. This timeline underscored the Titans’ dependence on Henry and forced coaches to adjust their game plan to lean more on the passing game during his absence—an adjustment that proved unsustainable against tough defenses. The Tennessee Titans later used this experience to prioritize adding a more physical backup running back in the following off-season, ensuring better depth if Henry faces another injury. Recovery Timelines Affecting Tennessee Titans Lineups often drive long-term roster decisions that strengthen the team beyond the current season.

On the defensive line, edge rusher Harold Landry III’s hamstring tightness recovery timeline during the 2025 season highlighted the Titans’ need for pass-rush depth and forced adjustments to their defensive scheme. Landry, who led the team with 6.5 sacks at the time of his injury, reported soreness after Week 11 practice, and trainers recommended 1–2 weeks of rest to avoid a more serious strain. With Landry sidelined, the Tennessee Titans had to rely on backup Arden Key and rookie Andre Carter II to split edge-rushing duties. Key, who had 2 sacks in a reserve role, stepped up with 3 sacks in the two games Landry missed, but Carter II—still adjusting to the NFL—struggled to generate consistent pressure. Defensive coordinator Shane Bowen adjusted by calling more blitzes from linebackers and safeties, a strategy that increased sacks but also left the secondary vulnerable to deep passes. Landry’s return in Week 14 allowed Bowen to revert to his original scheme, and the Titans recorded 5 sacks in their first game back with a healthy Landry. This timeline revealed the Titans’ lack of reliable edge-rush depth, a issue the front office addressed by re-signing Key to a multi-year contract in the off-season. The Tennessee Titans also used Landry’s recovery as a reminder to manage player workloads during the regular season, reducing his snap count in blowout games to prevent fatigue-related injuries. Recovery Timelines Affecting Tennessee Titans Lineups often lead to scheme adjustments that test the team’s flexibility and coaching staff’s ability to adapt.

At the wide receiver position, Treylon Burks’ ankle sprain recovery timeline during the 2025 season forced the Tennessee Titans to reimagine their passing attack and give opportunities to younger receivers. Burks, the team’s top receiver with 580 yards and 4 touchdowns, suffered a Grade 1 ankle sprain in Week 9, with trainers projecting a 3–4 week recovery. With Burks sidelined, the Titans turned to second-year player Colton Dowell and rookie Xavier Gipson to step into larger roles. Dowell, who had just 12 receptions in his rookie season, emerged as a reliable intermediate target—he caught 18 passes for 220 yards in Burks’ absence—while Gipson used his speed to stretch defenses, recording 2 touchdowns on deep routes. The Titans adjusted their passing game to focus on shorter, high-percentage throws and screen passes, a change that helped Levis reduce his interception total from 8 to 3 during Burks’ recovery. Burks returned in Week 13, but coaches opted to ease him back into the lineup, limiting his snap count to 50% in his first two games. This timeline not only gave Dowell and Gipson valuable experience but also showed the Titans that their passing game could be more diverse when relying on multiple receivers. The Tennessee Titans later used this depth to their advantage in the playoffs, rotating Burks, Dowell, and Gipson to keep defenses off balance. Recovery Timelines Affecting Tennessee Titans Lineups often uncover hidden talent that strengthens the team’s depth for future challenges.