NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The Tennessee Titans are set to place cornerback L’Jarius Sneed on injured reserve following a prolonged absence due to a quadriceps injury that has kept him sidelined for five games.
According to head coach Brian Callahan, this decision will be finalized on Saturday, meaning Sneed will be unavailable for at least the next four weeks. He has not participated in any games since suffering a bruised quad during a matchup against the Indianapolis Colts on October 13.
Initially, Sneed’s condition was believed to be a simple bruise, and the Titans were optimistic about his quick recovery. However, two weeks ago, the team announced that further assessments indicated a strained quadriceps, necessitating additional recovery time through rest.
“As I mentioned previously, we found that he had more than just a bruise; it was a significant quadriceps bruise that hasn’t healed as quickly as anticipated,” Callahan explained. “After we performed some scans, we discovered a considerable strain in addition to the bruise. Typically, these injuries take a couple of weeks to mend. We were hopeful for his return, but his progress has been more complicated than usual.”
Sneed, acquired in the off-season from the Kansas City Chiefs in a trade deal for a third-round draft pick in 2024, was considered one of the Titans’ key additions. The Chiefs had placed a franchise tag on him before trading him to Tennessee in late March.
Additionally, cornerback Chidobe Awuzie, who has been on the injured reserve list since week four due to a groin injury, is projected to have his return window open next week. With both starting cornerbacks unavailable, the Titans have relied on rookie Jarvis Brownlee and waiver claim Darrell Baker to fill the gaps in their defensive lineup.
Coach Callahan also confirmed that linebacker Jack Gibbens will join Sneed on injured reserve following a broken ankle sustained in a recent loss to the Minnesota Vikings.
This week, tackle Leroy Watson will be unable to play due to a back issue, and running back Tyjae Spears is sidelined with a concussion. Furthermore, cornerback Roger McCreary is marked as questionable with a knee concern.