The Tennessee Titans have reportedly placed Kenny Britt and Markelle Martin on the preseason physically-unable-to-perform list (PUP) just days before training camp begins on July 28, 2012. Britt is recovering from three knee surgeries that date back to when he tore an ACL and MCL during a game on September 25, 2011. Martin underwent arthroscopic knee surgery on a knee that has bothered him since before the NFL Combine.
What Does This Mean For Kenny Britt?
The Titans would love to be at full strength when they open their schedule against the New England Patriots on September 9. That probably won't happen after Britt earned his eighth arrest since joining the Titans in 2009. Britt was arrested and charged with a DUI in Fort Campbell, Kentucky. NFL commissioner Roger Goodell will almost certainly suspend him.
Britt should have plenty of time to rehabilitate his knees. The injuries and legal problems have opened up an opportunity for Marc Mariani. Britt has also created an opportunity for Jerheme Urban and Mike Sims-Walker. Both players worked out for the team earlier this week. Sims-Walker's workout was reportedly "Not so good."
What Does This Mean For Markelle Martin?
The Titans already have Michael Griffin and Jordan Babineaux. Both safeties are all-but-guaranteed to be the starters in Week 1. They signed 29-year-old Aaron Francisco to a one-year contract on July 20. Francisco was originally expected to challenge Robert Johnson for one of the last safety spots on the roster. Instead, this may prove to be an insurance policy if Martin doesn't heal quick enough.
What Does This Mean For The Tennessee Titans?
The Titans are on pace to enter training camp with 88 players, two short of the maximum allowed. Britt and Martin can both return when they pass their physicals. However, Britt probably won't be available for at least the first four regular-season games.
I'm very interested to see if Britt's injury has any impact on a potential suspension. Will Goodell postpone a sentencing if Britt begins the regular season on the PUP? What happens if Goodell perceives that the Titans are trying to use the suspension list as their version of the PUP? Would Goodell be satisfied with Britt being suspended without pay while he was on the PUP?
Joshua Huffman graduated from Middle Tennessee State University as a marketing major in 2009. He's been a Middle Tennessee resident from 1986-88 and 2001-present. He lived in the Upper Peninsula and Northern Wisconsin from 1988-01 and for approximately eight months in 2009-10 as he completed a 20-game volunteer position with the USHL's Green Bay Gamblers. His favorite sports organizations include the Green Bay Packers, Chicago Cubs, Nashville Predators and Tennessee Titans. He can be found on Twitter HERE.
More from Yahoo! Contributor Network
Tennessee Titans Consider Kyle Boller, Mike Sims-Walker and Jerheme Urban: Local Fan's Take
Chicago Cubs Mustn't Sell Low on a Matt Garza Trade: Fan's Take
Nashville Predators Match Philadelphia Flyers' $110 Million Offer for Shea Weber: Local Fan's Take
Green Bay Packers President Mark Murphy Should Support the Four-Game Preseason Schedule: Fan's Take
