Tennessee Titans losing another defender to IR, but should be getting 1 back soon

The Tennessee Titans expect one defensive starter to miss the rest of the 2024 season , but could be getting another back after a months-long absence.

Titans linebacker Jack Gibbens had surgery Monday morning following a gruesome ankle injury in Sunday's 23-13 loss to the Minnesota Vikings. Titans coach Brian Callahan said Gibbens will head to injured reserve and there's a high likelihood the injury will sideline him for the rest of the season.

Without Gibbens, recently-acquired veteran Jerome Baker is the most likely recipient of extra playing time. Baker came to the Titans as part of the trade that sent linebacker Ernest Jones IV to Seattle, but in the games since that trade, Baker has been unable to leapfrog Gibbens in the pecking order at linebacker alongside Kenneth Murray Jr. Gibbens logged 37 tackles in his three starts leading up to Sunday.

The Titans also have rookies Cedric Gray and James Williams on roster at linebacker, as well as special teams contributors Otis Reese IV and Luke Gifford.

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What's next on Chidobe Awuzie, L'Jarius Sneed? The Titans' two big offseason additions at cornerback have barely played this season, but at least one of them appears to be on his way back.

Awuzie, who's been on injured reserve with a groin injury since late September, is expected to return either this week or next, per Callahan. Awuzie hasn't played since Week 3, which has opened doors for young players Jarvis Brownlee Jr. and Darrell Baker Jr. to see more playing time.

Sneed, however, doesn't appear ready to return from the quad contusion/strain that's kept him out since Week 6. Callahan said it's most likely a no that Sneed will be able to play when the Titans (2-8) visit the Houston Texans (6-4) this Sunday (noon, CBS).

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Running back Tyjae Spears update Tyjae Spears left Sunday's game to be evaluated for a concussion. Callahan said Spears will remain in concussion protocols throughout this week and his status for Sunday is yet to be determined.

Spears has missed three games already this season dealing with a hamstring injury. If he's unable to go, the Titans will likely lean on starter Tony Pollard primarily, but also have options with Julius Chestnut and Joshua Kelley on the active roster as well.

Nick Suss is the Titans beat writer for The Tennessean. Contact Nick at . Follow Nick on X, the platform formerly called Twitter,