Titans Face Jaguars Without Carnell Tate and Key Starters

Offensive Lineup Takes a Hit

The Tennessee Titans will be without several key players when they take on the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday. Head coach Robert Saleh confirmed before Friday practice that five starters have been ruled out.

Rookie wide receiver Carnell Tate will miss the matchup with a shoulder injury. Tate was named the AFC Offensive Rookie of the Month for October after recording 21 receptions for 290 yards and one touchdown across four games. He injured his shoulder during Tennessee's 27-24 loss to the Cleveland Browns in Week 7. Saleh explained that the shoulder stuck on him a little bit after the bye week.

Second year receiver Chimere Dike gets a chance to step up in Tate's place. Dike recorded five receptions for 61 yards and a touchdown while playing a season high 58 snaps when Tate was out previously. Dike noted that it is a new opportunity and he wants to do whatever he can to help the team win.

Injuries Hit the Offensive Line and Special Teams

Left guard Peter Skoronski will also miss the game due to a hamstring injury suffered in the fourth quarter against the Cincinnati Bengals before the bye week. Skoronski was carted to the locker room and missed practice all week. Reserve lineman James Hudson, who played 30 snaps in Skoronski's place, is expected to start, though Saleh stated it will be a game time decision.

Punter Tommy Townsend is set to miss his second straight game because of a left knee injury. Townsend was hurt when the Browns blocked his punt before halftime in Week 7. The Titans signed veteran punter Thomas Morstead to the practice squad to fill in, and he will be brought up for gameday.

Defensive Changes Ahead

On defense, rookie linebacker Anthony Hill Jr. will miss his first game of the season with a neck injury. Hill leads the team with 82 tackles and was named the AFC Defensive Rookie of the Month for September.

Linebacker Cody Barton is also out with a concussion, opening the door for Cedric Gray to take on more playing time. Gray was a starter in training camp before suffering a concussion during a UTV accident over Labor Day weekend.

Gray said on Friday that he has been looking forward to this all year. He added that he is excited to get out there, play a full game on defense, and show what he can do.