The rookie linebacker opens up about his narrow escape in the mountains after a terrifying UTV rollover left him sidelined and grateful to return to the gridiron.
The Tennessee Titans were entering the week of practice leading up to the New York Jets game when they received some unexpected news.
Linebacker Cedric Gray was celebrating Labor Day Weekend and spent time with friends in the mountains. He was involved in a UTV accident and was placed in the NFL's concussion protocol.
Head coach Robert Saleh was confident that Gray would clear protocol in time for the season opener against the Jets. Gray wasn't able to participate in practice leading up to the game and was eventually ruled out with a concussion.
Anthony Hill Jr. started in Gray's spot and played very well. He led the team with 16 total tackles.
Things started to look up for Gray this past week. He was a full participant in Wednesday's practice. That streak continued, and it was revealed that he had cleared concussion protocol on Saturday.
Gray returned to the field and started for the Titans against the Philadelphia Eagles alongside Hill and Cody Barton. Gray still had a limited snap count because he was fresh off the concussion, but he still contributed.
He accounted for four total tackles and one TFL.
In the locker room following Sunday's game, he explained how the UTV accident occurred.
"So, obviously, you guys have heard now, I was in an accident. So, keep it long story short, it was Labor Day Weekend, went out to the mountains with some friends, to see some mountain views. I was in the UTV car. Was driving. Got met with some oncoming traffic. And we were basically tryna squeeze by each other. It was a tight space. The back wheel of my car kinda went off to the side, and it basically tilted and went tumbling down a little bit. So, it was a pretty freak accident. I'm blessed to be here. Blessed to still be alive. Blessed to still be able to play this game. It was a pretty freak accident, but just to walk away with just a concussion is a blessing."
It's a good thing that Gray was able to return to the field in Week 2. If the Titans had been down another starting linebacker, it could have made things worse.
The Titans had one of their leaders on defense back in the lineup thankfully. The defense still struggled in big moments against the Eagles, especially in the final two minutes of the game.
However, Hill continued his stretch of good performances. He led the team in tackles for the second straight week. After recording 16 total tackles in the Jets game, he then had 10 tackles against the Eagles in Week 2.
These achievements are great for Hill, but the Titans are still 0-2 heading into Week 3. Luckily, the Titans now have full strength at linebacker.
It'll be interesting to see if they decide to keep Mohamoud Diabate on the active roster now that Gray is back and healthy. Diabate was called up before the season opener and played significant minutes.
He may struggle to find playing time now that Gray is back and Hill has solidified himself as a starter.
We'll have to see what the Titans do about Diabate, but we know that the starting linebackers are now in place. Gray, Hill and Cody Barton should be a formidable trio on Saleh's defense this season.
