Undefeated Titans face biggest test yet — replacing Lewan
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The Tennessee Titans’ winning mojo is about to get its biggest test yet.
Sure, the Titans managed to survive and even thrive despite dealing with the NFL’s first COVID-19 outbreak. They’ve also had players miss games because of injuries while winning their first five games for only the second time in franchise history — the first since 2008.
Now they will be without their three-time Pro Bowl left tackle with Taylor Lewan placed on injured reserve Monday with a torn right ACL.
“By Wednesday when it’s time to practice, I’m confident that we’ll have five guys that will be comfortable where they’ re at and try to learn the game plan and be ready,” Titans coach Mike Vrabel said.
The Titans lost Le wan in the third quarter of a 42-36 overtime win over Houston. Lewan was able to walk off the field and to the locker room by himself and broke the news of his injury himself on social media Monday.
“I’m going to be the biggest titans fan each and every Sunday,” Lewan wrote on Twitter. “We are doing something special here and this small set back doesn’t change a thing!”
Ty Sambrailo, a five-year veteran signed this offseason for depth, replaced Lewan in the game. Vrabel said Sam br ail oh as played a bunch as a backup already through five games.
“We’ ll see what’ s best for the team and try to move forward with the next guy in there,” Vrabel said.
The timing couldn’t be much worse. Pittsburgh (5-0) visits Sunday in a game rescheduled from Oct. 4 due to the Titans’ COVID-19 outbreak, and the Steelers lead the NFL with 24 sacks.