The Tennessee Titans are dealing with a major setback following their Week 3 loss to the Green Bay Packers, as cornerback Chidobe Awuzie is expected to miss several weeks due to a groin injury. Awuzie left the game against the Packers after sustaining the injury, and there is a possibility that he may be placed on injured reserve (IR). If that happens, it would sideline him for at least four games.
Head coach Brian Callahan acknowledged the severity of the injury, stating that Awuzie will likely be out for a few weeks. “We’ll probably miss him for some weeks at this point,” Callahan said through team reporter Jim Wyatt. “It’s significant enough. What that timeline is, remains to be seen.” This means the team is still assessing the injury, and more tests will be conducted to determine the exact recovery time.
If the Titans place Awuzie on injured reserve, the earliest he could return would be Week 9, scheduled for November 3, when the Titans face the New England Patriots. The team’s Week 5 bye could play a crucial role in deciding whether or not to move Awuzie to IR. With the bye week providing additional recovery time, the Titans may opt to keep Awuzie on the active roster and allow him to sit out their next game against the Miami Dolphins. This would give him time to rest through the bye week, possibly making him available for the Week 6 matchup on October 13 against the Indianapolis Colts, about three weeks post-injury.
In the meantime, the Titans will need to adjust their defensive lineup. Jarvis Brownlee Jr., a fifth-round pick from the 2023 NFL Draft, is expected to take over as the primary replacement for Awuzie. Brownlee, who spent three years at Florida State before transferring to Louisville for his final two collegiate seasons, will be stepping into a critical role in the secondary.
Additionally, second-year player Darrell Baker Jr. is anticipated to see an increase in playing time. The Titans may also consider promoting cornerback Tre Avery from the practice squad to bolster depth in the defensive backfield.
While the loss of Awuzie is a blow to the Titans’ defense, the team will need to rely on its depth and adaptability to fill the void. With the secondary being tested, the younger players will have an opportunity to prove themselves and help mitigate the impact of Awuzie’s absence. The Titans will need to manage this situation carefully as they navigate through the season, hoping that their adjustments can keep them competitive during Awuzie’s recovery.
