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NASHVILLE – The Tennessee Titans confirmed final yr that nobody is irreplaceable.
Accidents and different elements pressured them to make use of an NFL-record 91 gamers over the 18 weeks of the common season, but they nonetheless completed 12-5, gained the AFC South for the second consecutive season they usually earned the No. 1 playoff seed within the AFC for the primary time since 2008.
Some guys, although, is perhaps a little bit more durable to switch than others. In that regard, the 2022 season presents an actual problem proper out of the gate.
The Titans positioned exterior linebacker Harold Landry, their chief in sacks every of the final three years, on injured reserve Friday. Landry is out for the season as a result of a torn knee ligament sustained throughout Wednesday’s apply, the primary formal on-field session because the conclusion of the preseason.
In a corresponding transfer, exterior linebacker Derrek Tuszka was claimed off waivers from the Pittsburgh Steelers. Tuszka was launched Thursday when the Steelers signed two free brokers.
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A seventh-round decide by Denver out of North Dakota State in 2020, Tuszka (6-foot-5, 240 kilos), signed with Pittsburgh early final season and appeared in 15 video games. He made 18 tackles with two sacks and one pressured fumble. He additionally had two particular groups tackles. As a rookie, he appeared in 9 video games for the Broncos, primarily as a particular groups performer.
Tuszka, 26, supplies depth at exterior linebacker however gained’t be requested to fill Landry’s spot within the lineup – at the least not instantly.
First up is 2021 fourth-round decide Rashad Weaver, who performed simply two video games as a rookie earlier than he was sidelined by a damaged leg. Weaver was a productive participant this preseason with 10 tackles, one sack, three quarterback hits, two tackles for loss, two passes defensed and one fumble restoration within the three days.
Tennessee additionally has one exterior linebacker on their apply squad, undrafted rookie David Anenih, who could possibly be promoted, if want be.
Landry was one of many few gamers who didn’t want a substitute final season. He was one among 4 who appeared in all 17 video games on protection, and he was on the sphere for 89.5 % of the protection’s snaps. Solely security Kevin Byard noticed extra motion on that facet of the ball.
This yr, the Titans should do with out him from begin to end.
