Titans in danger of missing two key defenders for Week 8

The Tennessee Titans are staring down the possibility of not having two of their most important defenders for the Week 8 contest against the Houston Texans.

After practice on Friday, Titans head coach Mike Vrabel revealed that defensive lineman Jeffery Simmons, who is dealing with an ankle injury, would be listed as questionable.

Simmons suffered the injury during the Week 7 win over the Indianapolis Colts but was able to finish the game. He did not practice all week, though.

“I was in pain,” Simmons admitted after the game “Especially when you get an ankle sprain it hurts… But we had five minutes left, I wanted to be on the field, so I’m going to fight through a little ankle sprain.”

While Simmons has a chance to play, outside linebacker Rashad Weaver does not. Vrabel said Weaver has been ruled out after sustaining a back injury in Week 7 that led to him not practicing all week.

With Weaver sidelined, look for the Titans to elevate Wyatt Ray from the practice squad, as Bud Dupree is the only other outside linebacker on Tennessee’s 53-man roster.

Of course, the Titans can opt to deploy Denico Autry off the edge, something they’ve done all season. DeMarcus Walker and Mario Edwards may also get looks, but how much the Titans can use one, two or all three of these guys depends on Simmons’ status, also.

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Story originally appeared on Titans Wire