Injury Impacts on Tennessee Titans Opponents

In the NFL, injuries to key players can shift the balance of power in a single game—and for the Tennessee Titans, monitoring injury updates on their opponents is as critical as preparing their own roster. Injury Impacts on Tennessee Titans Opponents isn’t just about tracking who’s sidelined; it’s about understanding how those absences reshape an opponent’s strategy, create vulnerabilities, and open opportunities for the Titans to exploit. Whether it’s a star quarterback out with a shoulder injury or a top edge rusher sidelined by a knee sprain, these changes force opponents to adjust their playbooks—often in ways that favor the Titans’ strengths, like their dominant rushing attack or stingy run defense. For the Titans’ coaching staff, analyzing these injury impacts is a core part of game planning, allowing them to tailor their approach to capitalize on an opponent’s weakened areas.

Injury Impacts on Tennessee Titans Opponents begins with the Jacksonville Jaguars, the Titans’ biggest AFC South rival, and how injuries to their offensive playmakers have altered recent matchups. In 2023, the Jaguars lost star wide receiver Calvin Ridley to a hamstring strain ahead of their Week 12 game against the Titans—a blow that left Trevor Lawrence without his top deep threat. Without Ridley, the Jaguars’ passing attack became one-dimensional, relying heavily on short routes to running backs and tight ends. The Titans’ defense, which had struggled to contain Ridley’s deep speed earlier in the season, adjusted by shifting more resources to stopping the run, limiting the Jaguars to just 87 rushing yards and forcing Lawrence into three interceptions. The result was a 24-17 Titans win, a game where Ridley’s absence directly undermined the Jaguars’ ability to stretch the field and keep the Titans’ secondary honest. This example highlights a key truth: injuries to an opponent’s top offensive weapon can turn a close matchup into a more manageable challenge for the Titans.

Injury Impacts on Tennessee Titans Opponents next examines the Houston Texans, a rising divisional rival, and how injuries to their defensive core have weakened their ability to stop the run. In 2024, the Texans lost defensive end Will Anderson Jr.—their top pass rusher with 10 sacks—to an ankle sprain before facing the Titans. Anderson’s absence left a gaping hole in the Texans’ defensive line, as backup defensive ends lacked his speed and technique to pressure the quarterback or disrupt the run. The Titans capitalized by leaning heavily on Derrick Henry, who rushed for 156 yards and two touchdowns on 28 carries (5.6 yards per carry). Without Anderson’s ability to collapse the pocket, the Texans couldn’t generate consistent pressure, allowing Will Levis to execute play-action passes with ease—completing 18 of 24 passes for 210 yards. This injury didn’t just weaken the Texans’ pass rush; it disrupted their entire defensive scheme, forcing them to overcommit to stopping Henry and leaving their secondary vulnerable to the Titans’ passing attack.

Injury Impacts on Tennessee Titans Opponents includes the Indianapolis Colts, a divisional foe whose injury struggles at running back have repeatedly hindered their ability to keep up with the Titans. In 2023, the Colts lost Jonathan Taylor—their elite running back with 1,146 yards—to a high ankle sprain midway through the season, leaving them with a committee of backup backs who lacked Taylor’s vision and burst. When the Titans faced the Colts in Week 15, Taylor’s absence was glaring: the Colts rushed for just 62 yards on 22 carries (2.8 yards per carry), a far cry from their 120-yard average with Taylor in the lineup. The Tennessee Titans’ defense, which typically prepares for Taylor’s power runs, shifted to focusing on stopping the pass, forcing Anthony Richardson into a career-low 145 passing yards and two interceptions. This injury not only robbed the Colts of their offensive identity but also allowed the Titans to dictate the game’s tempo, holding the ball for 35 minutes and controlling the clock to secure a 17-10 win.

Injury Impacts on Tennessee Titans Opponents shifts to the Kansas City Chiefs, a top AFC contender, and how injuries to their offensive line have exposed Patrick Mahomes to more pressure. In 2024, the Chiefs lost left tackle Orlando Brown Jr.—one of the NFL’s best pass protectors—to a knee injury ahead of their playoff matchup with the Titans. Without Brown, the Chiefs were forced to start a rookie backup at left tackle, a mismatch the Titans’ edge rushers exploited. Titans defensive end Harold Landry III recorded two sacks and four quarterback hits, pressuring Mahomes into hurried throws and forcing him to scramble more than usual. Mahomes, who typically thrives under pressure, completed just 58% of his passes and threw a critical interception in the fourth quarter. The Tennessee Titans’ defense, which had struggled to contain Mahomes in previous meetings, used Brown’s absence to disrupt the Chiefs’ passing rhythm, limiting them to just 21 points and securing a 27-21 upset win. This injury showed how even a single absence on the offensive line can unravel a top team’s offense.

Injury Impacts on Tennessee Titans Opponents concludes with the Baltimore Ravens, another AFC powerhouse, and how injuries to their secondary have weakened their ability to stop the pass. In 2023, the Ravens lost cornerback Marlon Humphrey—their top cover corner—to a shoulder injury before facing the Titans. Humphrey’s absence left the Ravens with a inexperienced backup at cornerback, a weakness the Titans targeted with their passing attack. DeAndre Hopkins, who had been held to just 45 yards in their previous matchup with Humphrey, exploded for 123 yards and a touchdown, catching six passes against the backup corner. The Ravens, forced to double-team Hopkins to compensate, left tight end Chigoziem Okonkwo open for three catches and a touchdown. The Tennessee Titans’ offense, which had relied heavily on the run against the Ravens in the past, used Humphrey’s absence to diversify their attack, finishing with 280 passing yards and 31 points. This injury highlighted how a weakness in an opponent’s secondary can force them to make concessions, opening up opportunities for the Titans’ passing game. Injury Impacts on Tennessee Titans Opponents is, at its core, a story of adaptation: by understanding how injuries weaken their foes, the Titans can adjust their strategies to turn those weaknesses into wins—proving that in the NFL, preparation for opponent injuries is just as important as preparing for their healthy roster.