Tennessee Titans linebacker Cedric Gray's status remains questionable in Week 2 against the Philadelphia Eagles (1-0) at Nissan Stadium on Sept. 20 (noon, FOX), according to the Titans' final injury report this week.
Gray remains in NFL concussion protocol and did not play in the Titans' 23-10 loss to the New York Jets in Week 1 after being involved in a utility terrain vehicle crash over Labor Day weekend. He has fully participated in practice since Sept. 16 for the Titans (0-1) and was set to be evaluated after the Sept. 18 practice.
A source told The Tennessean that alcohol was not thought to have been involved in the accident, which occurred while the Titans did not have practice. The source requested anonymity because details surrounding
the crash had not been released.
Gray was the Titans' leading tackler and the NFL's fifth-leading tackler in 2025 with 160. Most expected Gray, who is entering his third NFL season, to be the Titans' top linebacker in a group that also includes Hill, veteran Cody Barton, fellow third-year player James Williams Sr. and special teams ace Dorian Mausi, who is on injured reserve.
"He (Gray) has been good, he's in good shape. Fresh legs. So, it'll be good to get them out there," said Titans coach Robert Saleh, who has anticipated all week that Gray would clear protocol.
How the Titans handle Gray’s spot moving forward will be a point of focus.
Saleh said rookie linebacker Anthony Hill Jr. will start at middle linebacker against the Eagles, which would likely shift Gray outside for his return. That could mean different packages and rotations.
Hill shined in Gray’s place against the Jets with a league-high 16 tackles, to go with two pass breakups.
"There's a lot of moving parts there," Saleh said. "Ced and Cody (Barton) are both good players, both starting NFL linebackers. They have different skill sets."
Anthony Hill Jr. will start at MLB for Titans vs. eagles
Hill missed just one tackle against the Jets. Pro Football Focus gave him the second-best overall defensive grade on the Titans (78.7).
Saleh doesn't want to overload Hill. Having experience around him on the back end has helped, Saleh said, with veterans Amani Hooker and Barton to lean on.
Hill said improving his footwork and hands since joining the team helped set up his big debut.
"I knew what type of player I was, so I knew if I prepared the right way and got ready for games the right way that I'd be able to execute at high level when I got the chance," Hill said. "The staff did good job preparing me the right way. My linebackers coach (Dave Borgonzi) did a good job pushing me, preparing me with extra meetings. Doing the extra small details that help you get to the next level."
Tennessee Titans vs. Philadelphia Eagles injury report
Titans cornerback Cor'Dale Flott (quadricep) and linebacker James Williams (elbow) are also questionable. Flott's injury is new and he did not practice Sept. 18.
Williams has been limited in practice.
Eagles linebacker Jonathan Greenard (pectoral) was ruled out for a second straight week. Safety Andrew Mukuba (knee) is questionable.
Eagles receiver Marquise Brown (hamstring), defensive back Cooper DeJean (calf/abdomen) and Elijah Moore (neck) all returned to full participation in practice. Eagles defensive tackle Jalen Carter's (wrist) has been limited.
Tyler Palmateer covers high school sports for The Tennessean. Have a story idea for Tyler? Reach him at tpalmateer@tennessean.com and on the X platform, @tpalmateer83.
This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Titans LB Cedric Gray questionable to play vs Philadelphia Eagles after UTV crash
