After a frightening UTV accident sidelined Tennessee’s tackling machine, Robert Saleh expects the linebacker to clear protocol in time for a high-stakes clash against the Philadelphia Eagles.
The Tennessee Titans were without key linebacker Cedric Gray in their Week 1 game against the New York Jets.
Gray's status has been uncertain ever since he had that UTV accident during Labor Day Weekend. Robert Saleh said Gray was going to enter the NFL's concussion protocol and had a chance to clear it by Sunday.
Friday rolled around and Gray was ruled out with a concussion.
Luckily, rookie Anthony Hill Jr. had a solid outing in his place. Hill started for the Titans and ended his NFL debut with 16 total tackles, which led the team. If the referees hadn't overturned the fumble he forced, he would've had that on his stat line as well.
It was a great showing from Hill, but he was more concerned with winning than personal gain.
At the end of the day, the Titans have to feel good about where the linebacker room is after letting Hill have the start.
There are still questions, though, about when we could expect to see Gray back on the field. Saleh was asked about the linebacker at Monday's Zoom call with the media and seemed confident that Gray was going to be back for a Week 2 matchup with the Philadelphia Eagles.
"Yeah, I think he's good for week two," Saleh said. "I believe that he cleared concussion protocol. I got to double-check. I'll have more on that for you guys later, but I thought Anthony flew around. I thought he did a good job controlling the huddle."
Getting Gray back would be a huge plus for the defense. The Titans will need all the help they can get with the Eagles coming to town.
The Eagles were able to outlast Jayden Daniels and the Washington Commanders in Week 1 by a score of 24-22.
Gray just led the Titans in tackles one season ago. He was fourth in the entire NFL in total tackles, ending his year with 164.
If Gray is able to return, it would make things interesting for a player like Mohamoud Diabate. Diabate was elevated to the active roster from the practice squad in the wake of Gray's injury. With Hill playing as well as he did, the Titans may not need someone like Diabate.
At the very least, the Titans could bring Hill off the bench or continue to have him in a starting role, just at a linebacker position rather than the one he played on Sunday.
We'll have to wait and see for more updates on Gray, but it sounds like he should be ready to go for Week 2. The Titans face the Eagles at noon CT on Fox on Sunday.
