The New York Jets will face a familiar defense in Week 1. They'll visit Tennessee for a road opener with the Titans. The Titans, of course, are coached by former Jets head coach Robert Saleh.
Saleh's defenses were routinely above average to great in East Rutherford. Fortunately for the Jets, the Titans will probably be without one of their top defensive playmakers. Titans linebacker Cedric Gray has been placed in concussion protocol after suffering a UTV accident, the team confirmed.
"Over the weekend, Cedric Gray was involved in a UTV accident in Tennessee and sustained a concussion and minor injuries," a team rep confirmed. "We look forward to Cedric returning to the field soon and in full health when he clears the NFL's concussion protocol."
Gray led the Titans in tackles as a sophomore last season with 164. That placed fourth in the entire NFL. Coach Saleh is relying on Gray to lead his linebacker corps.
Titans rookie linebacker Anthony Hill Jr. could take Gray's spot in the lineup versus the Jets. It's unlikely Gray clears concussion protocol before Sunday, though we'll continue monitoring the situation. The Titans also have Cody Barton and James Williams at linebacker.
The Jets could catch a break by avoiding one of the Titans' best defensive players in Week 1.
Jets Wire will continue to provide updates throughout the 2026 NFL season.
This article originally appeared on Jets Wire: Jets will likely avoid Titans defensive playmaker in Week 1
