According to a RotoWire analysis, the Tennessee Titans were one of the most injured teams last season.

In the NFL, no team is immune to injury woes. However, some franchises face an unrelenting series of setbacks that significantly impact their season. For the Tennessee Titans, 2024 proved to be a challenging year, with injuries plaguing their roster from the start and leaving them to fight through adversity on every front. According to a detailed analysis by RotoWire, the Titans were among the most injured teams in the league last season, and these injuries would have profound implications on their performance, player development, and overall season outlook.

In this article, we’ll delve into the specifics of the injury struggles faced by the Titans, the impact on key players, and how the franchise is looking to bounce back from this turbulent year. We’ll also examine what went wrong, the lessons learned, and how the team can improve going forward to avoid the same fate in future seasons.

The Injury Epidemic: A Recurring Theme for the Titans

Injuries are a part of every NFL season, but for the Tennessee Titans, it seems like the injury bug has become an unwelcome companion that shows up all too often. The RotoWire analysis highlighted that the Titans were not only among the most injured teams in 2024 but had an above-average number of key players who were sidelined for extended periods. The injuries spanned multiple positions, with some of the most significant losses being on offense and defense, areas that were critical to the Titans’ success.

On offense, the Titans’ struggles were particularly evident in the running back room, the offensive line, and at wide receiver. Derrick Henry, the Titans’ powerhouse running back and the face of the offense, had a nagging injury that limited his performance at times, though his durability was still commendable. However, other running backs were forced into larger roles due to a lack of depth behind Henry, and those players also found themselves sidelined at points during the season.

At wide receiver, the Titans were hit hard by injuries to key targets like Treylon Burks, who struggled with a knee issue throughout much of the season. Additionally, veteran receiver Robert Woods also faced injuries that kept him off the field for a good portion of the year. As a result, the passing attack struggled to find consistency, leaving quarterback Ryan Tannehill and the rest of the offense to work with a depleted group of pass-catchers.

Defensively, the Titans’ struggles were even more pronounced. The defensive line was hit with a series of injuries, starting with key players like Jeffery Simmons, who was forced to miss several games with an ankle injury. Linebacker Rashaan Evans also spent a significant portion of the season sidelined with various issues, including a knee injury. The injuries to these critical pieces disrupted the defense’s ability to generate pressure, stop the run, and cover opposing offenses effectively.

The Titans’ struggles were compounded by a lack of depth, with many backup players stepping into starting roles due to the injuries. While some backup players performed admirably, the team’s overall performance suffered. Injuries to key players are almost always a challenge, but the Titans faced more obstacles than many other teams last season, and these injuries impacted nearly every position on the roster.

Key Injuries and Their Impact on Performance

One of the most critical injuries to the Titans’ season was to starting quarterback Ryan Tannehill. The veteran signal-caller suffered an ankle injury that forced him to miss significant time during the season. Tannehill’s absence was particularly painful because, with him on the field, the Titans’ offense has historically been much more efficient and balanced, especially in the play-action game. In Tannehill’s absence, backup quarterbacks like Malik Willis and rookie Will Levis had to step up, but neither was able to provide the same level of stability. The lack of consistency at quarterback put even more pressure on the offense, which had already been struggling with its limited weaponry at wide receiver.

Tannehill’s injury was just one in a series of setbacks that left the Titans scrambling for answers. The injury to Henry was another blow to the offense. While Henry remained a key contributor even when hobbled, his production was not at the same level as it had been in previous seasons. The lack of a consistent rushing attack hurt the Titans’ offensive balance, as they rely on Henry to set the tone for the rest of the offense.

The loss of key defensive players further compounded the Titans’ struggles. Simmons, one of the most dominant defensive tackles in the league, was forced to miss games due to injury. Simmons plays a pivotal role in the defensive line, and his ability to rush the passer and clog up running lanes is a cornerstone of the Titans’ defensive scheme. His absence left a void in the middle of the line, which opposing offenses took advantage of. Without Simmons, the defensive front lacked the same dominance, and the Titans’ ability to control the line of scrimmage was severely hampered.

Along with Simmons, linebacker Rashaan Evans’ injuries limited his ability to anchor the middle of the defense. Evans, who is known for his leadership and tackling ability, was a key player for the Titans in terms of run defense and coverage. His absence left a hole in the middle of the defense that was difficult to fill. The Titans also faced injuries to their secondary, including cornerback Caleb Farley, who missed time due to back issues. Farley had been expected to be a key part of the defense, and his injury further depleted the team’s depth at the cornerback position.

The Impact on Team Dynamics and Depth

One of the key takeaways from the Titans’ 2024 injury-plagued season is how injuries affected team dynamics and the ability to execute. With so many players missing time, the team had to rely heavily on its depth chart and young players to step up. This is always a challenge in the NFL, where success often depends on consistency and continuity, especially in a league as competitive as the NFL.

The lack of continuity disrupted the Titans’ ability to establish an identity on offense. With Tannehill and Henry both limited, the Titans couldn’t consistently find rhythm in their game plan. The offensive line, which had already been dealing with injuries and struggles, could not sustain the same level of success in protecting the quarterback or opening running lanes. In turn, the passing game was far less effective, and the Titans were forced to rely on an inconsistent passing attack, which led to more turnovers and missed opportunities.

On defense, the injuries to key playmakers left the unit unable to dominate as it had in years past. Without Simmons and Evans at full strength, the defense struggled to generate the pressure necessary to disrupt opposing offenses. With a weakened defensive line and a limited secondary due to injuries, opposing teams were able to exploit weaknesses in the Titans’ defense, resulting in more points allowed and fewer game-changing plays.

The impact on special teams was also noticeable, with several key contributors being sidelined during the year. Players who would typically contribute to the Titans’ strong special teams units were missing in action, forcing the coaching staff to rely on players who may not have been as familiar with their specific roles.

Looking Forward: Solutions for Injury Management

Despite the significant challenges posed by injuries last season, the Tennessee Titans’ front office and coaching staff are already taking steps to address their injury woes and ensure they are better prepared in the future. One of the biggest lessons learned from the 2024 season is the importance of depth across all positions. While the Titans have solid star players, their lack of depth at key positions made it difficult to overcome injuries when they occurred.

As part of their plan for the 2025 season, the Titans are expected to invest more in strengthening their roster depth, particularly at positions like wide receiver, linebacker, and the offensive line. The team will likely place a larger emphasis on the development of younger players, ensuring that they are ready to step up when needed.

In addition to roster changes, the Titans are likely to improve their medical and training staff’s approach to injury prevention and rehabilitation. This could involve a closer focus on load management for key players like Henry and Tannehill, ensuring they are not overworked throughout the season. With the physical demands of the NFL, teams must be proactive about keeping their stars healthy and fresh, which will be critical for Tennessee in avoiding another injury-riddled season.

The Titans may also take a closer look at their practice schedules and in-season recovery plans, which have become increasingly important as players deal with the wear and tear of a 17-game season. The NFL’s expanded schedule has placed even more pressure on teams to manage player health effectively, and the Titans will need to balance rest with preparation to ensure they don’t lose key contributors for extended periods.