Return-to-Play Protocols for Tennessee Titans

The Tennessee Titans’ return-to-play protocols are a structured, multi-step framework designed to safely transition injured players back to game action—prioritizing long-term health over short-term gains while aligning with NFL guidelines and best practices in sports medicine. These protocols aren’t one-size-fits-all; they’re tailored to injury type (e.g., concussions, ligament sprains, fractures), player position, and individual recovery rates, ensuring each athlete receives personalized care. Return-to-Play Protocols for Tennessee Titans is more than a set of rules; it’s a collaborative process involving the team’s medical staff, coaches, strength and conditioning experts, and the player himself—all working together to minimize re-injury risk and ensure the athlete is physically and mentally ready to compete. For the Titans, these protocols are critical to maintaining a healthy roster, especially in a physical league like the NFL where injuries can derail a season.

Return-to-Play Protocols for Tennessee Titans begins with a foundational step: initial injury assessment and diagnosis. When a player is injured—whether during practice, a game, or training—the Titans’ medical staff (led by head athletic trainer Tom Smith) conducts an immediate evaluation, which may include physical exams, imaging (X-rays, MRIs, CT scans), and functional tests to determine the injury’s severity. For example, if a player like Derrick Henry suffers a hamstring strain, the staff will grade the strain (1-3, with 3 being the most severe) and identify which muscle fibers are affected. This diagnosis dictates the protocol’s timeline: a grade 1 hamstring strain may require a 1-2 week protocol, while a grade 3 strain could take 4-6 weeks. The staff also documents baseline data—like range of motion, strength, and pain levels— to compare against as the player progresses. This initial assessment ensures the protocol is evidence-based, not arbitrary, and sets clear benchmarks for the player to meet before moving to the next phase. Without a accurate diagnosis, the protocol risks being too aggressive (leading to re-injury) or too conservative (delaying the player’s return unnecessarily).

Return-to-Play Protocols for Tennessee Titans next outlines the core phases of progression, which follow a gradual, “load-management” approach to build the player’s tolerance for activity. The first phase is “rest and rehabilitation,” where the focus is on reducing pain and inflammation (through ice, anti-inflammatories, or physical therapy) and restoring basic function. For a player with a knee sprain, this might include aquatic therapy to maintain cardio fitness without putting pressure on the joint, or strength training for surrounding muscles (quads, hamstrings) to support the injured area. The second phase is “controlled activity,” where the player reintroduces sport-specific movements—for example, a quarterback like Will Levis might start with non-contact throwing drills, while an offensive lineman like Andre Dillard would practice pass-blocking against air. The third phase is “contact integration,” where the player participates in limited contact drills (e.g., one-on-one matchups, scout-team sessions) to test their ability to handle physicality. The final phase is “game readiness,” where the player joins full-team practices and undergoes a final medical clearance before being activated for a game. Each phase has clear criteria for advancement—e.g., no pain during drills, full range of motion, strength equal to the uninjured side—ensuring the player doesn’t move too fast.

Return-to-Play Protocols for Tennessee Titans includes position-specific adjustments, as different roles on the field require unique physical demands. For example, the protocol for a running back like Henry (who endures constant contact and sudden direction changes) differs from that of a kicker (who has minimal contact but relies on precise leg mechanics). For Henry, a hamstring strain protocol would include extra focus on explosive movements—like sprinting, cutting, and jumping—to mimic game-day actions, while a kicker’s protocol for a similar injury might emphasize repetitive, controlled kicking motions to rebuild accuracy. For defensive players like Jeffery Simmons (who uses strength and power to rush the passer), a knee injury protocol would prioritize lower-body strength and explosion drills, such as squats, lunges, and sled pushes. The Tennessee Titans’ medical staff works closely with position coaches to design these adjustments, ensuring the protocol prepares the player for the specific challenges of their role. For instance, when Simmons returned from knee surgery in 2025, his protocol included scout-team pass-rushing drills against backup offensive linemen—allowing him to test his knee’s strength in a game-like scenario without facing starters. This position-specific focus ensures the player isn’t just “healthy” in a general sense, but ready to perform their job at an NFL level.

Return-to-Play Protocols for Tennessee Titans emphasizes mental readiness, a often-overlooked component of recovery. Even if a player is physically healed, they may feel anxiety about re-injuring the area—especially after a severe injury like an ACL tear. The Titans’ protocol includes mental health support, such as sessions with the team’s sports psychologist, to help players manage fear, build confidence, and refocus on performance. For example, if a player like Roger McCreary returns from a concussion, the psychologist may work with him to address concerns about getting hit again, using visualization techniques to help him stay calm during contact drills. The staff also encourages open communication: players are empowered to speak up if they feel pain or discomfort, without fear of being labeled “soft.” The Tennessee Titans’ focus on mental readiness stems from research showing that athletes who are mentally prepared have a lower re-injury rate and perform better upon return. For McCreary, this mental support was key to his successful return from a 2025 concussion—he later noted that the psychologist’s guidance helped him “trust my body again” when facing receivers in full contact.

Return-to-Play Protocols for Tennessee Titans concludes with post-return monitoring, which continues even after the player is activated for a game. The medical staff tracks the player’s performance and recovery closely, conducting daily check-ins to assess pain, swelling, or fatigue. They may also use wearable technology—like GPS trackers or heart rate monitors—to measure the player’s workload during practices and games, ensuring they don’t get overused. For example, after Henry returned from his hamstring strain, the staff limited his carries in his first two games back, gradually increasing his workload as he proved he could handle it. If a player shows signs of regression—like increased pain or decreased range of motion—the staff may pause the protocol and revisit the rehabilitation phase. This post-return monitoring is critical to catching small issues before they become major injuries, and it reflects the Titans’ long-term view of player health. Return-to-Play Protocols for Tennessee Titans is, at its core, a commitment to putting players first. By combining science, personalized care, and mental support, the Titans ensure their athletes can return to the field safely—ready to compete at the highest level while protecting their careers beyond football.