The Tennessee Titans’ playoff aspirations suffered a devastating blow on Saturday when the team announced that two of their most important starters, running back Tony Pollard and safety Amani Hooker, have been ruled out for the pivotal Week 17 clash with the Jacksonville Jaguars. The absence of these key playmakers significantly weakens both the Titans’ offensive firepower and defensive prowess as they fight for their postseason lives in this must-win AFC South showdown.
Pollard’s Injury Leaves Gaping Hole in Backfield
Tony Pollard, the electric dual-threat weapon who has emerged as the Titans’ most dynamic offensive player this season, will miss Sunday’s game due to a lingering foot injury that has plagued him in recent weeks. Pollard’s unique skill set as both a explosive runner and dangerous pass-catcher out of the backfield has been instrumental in elevating the Titans’ oftentimes stagnant offense. His ability to create big plays and keep defenses honest will be sorely missed against a stout Jaguars front seven.
With Pollard sidelined, the Titans will turn to second-year back Tyjae Spears to shoulder the load in the running game. While Spears has flashed promise with four touchdowns over the past two games, he lacks Pollard’s game-breaking ability and has yet to prove he can be a consistent every-down back at the NFL level. Reserve backs Julius Chestnut and Joshua Kelley may also mix in, but there’s no question the Titans’ ground attack takes a massive step back without Pollard leading the charge.
Hooker’s Absence Leaves Secondary Vulnerable
On the other side of the ball, losing starting safety Amani Hooker to a shoulder injury is equally devastating for a Titans defense that has struggled mightily in recent weeks. Hooker, a rangy playmaker with a nose for the football, is the QB of the secondary who excels in coverage and run support. His leadership and ability to diagnose plays will be badly missed against a balanced Jaguars offense led by breakout QB Trevor Lawrence.
With Hooker out, the Titans will rely on backup Mike Brown to step into a starting role alongside Darryl Worley. Brown saw extended action last week after Hooker exited and will be counted on to hold down the back end in this critical contest. However, the significant drop-off in experience and playmaking ability from Hooker to Brown could spell trouble against Lawrence and his plethora of explosive pass-catchers like Christian Kirk, Zay Jones, and Evan Engram.
Offensive Line Shuffle Adds to Titans’ Woes
To make matters worse, the Titans will also be without starting right guard Dylan Radunz, forcing them to reshuffle an already shaky offensive line. Veteran Daniel Brunskill will slide over from center to fill Radunz’s spot, with seldom-used reserve Corey Levin thrust into the starting lineup at center. This patchwork group will have their hands full against a fearsome Jaguars pass rush led by Josh Allen and Travon Walker that leads the NFL in sacks and pressures.
These injuries couldn’t come at a worse time for a Titans team that likely needs to win out to have any chance at making the playoffs. Losing their top offensive weapon in Pollard and defensive quarterback in Hooker is a brutal blow that will force unproven backups into the spotlight in the biggest game of the year.
– Turron Davenport, ESPN Titans Reporter
Last-Minute Roster Moves Provide Glimmer of Hope
In a desperate attempt to patch the gaping holes on their roster, the Titans made a flurry of last-minute transactions on the eve of this pivotal contest:
- Signed G Arlington Hambright, LB Raekwon McMillan, K Matthew Wright from practice squad
- Waived CBs Tre Avery and Gabe Jeudy-Lally to make room
- Elevated OL Chandler Brewer and S Gervarrius Owens from practice squad for game
While these moves provide some much-needed depth, it’s hard to imagine a practice squad cavalry riding to the rescue against a surging Jaguars squad fighting for the division crown. The Titans will need career-best performances from their patchwork lineup to have any chance of pulling off this massive upset and keeping their fading playoff hopes alive.
Ultimately, the mountain of injuries and lack of firepower on both sides of the ball may simply be too much for Titans to overcome in this must-win spot. With their season on the line and key starters in street clothes, Mike Vrabel’s depleted squad faces the tallest of tasks on Sunday as they attempt to stave off elimination. Only a historic effort from their collection of backups and practice squad fill-ins will allow the Titans live to fight another day in the topsy-turvy AFC playoff race.
