The Tennessee Titans travel to Cincinnati in Week 8 to face the Cincinnati Bengals at Paycor Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
The Titans have a few significant questions heading into the game after trading All-Pro Jeffery Simmons and losing top wideout Carnell Tate to a shoulder injury. On top of those, they also have some key pieces questionable, including starters John Franklin-Myers and Calvin Ridley.
Linebacker Dorian Mausi was not activated from injured reserve and will not play against the Bengals.
Elevations
Tennessee elevated punter Thomas Morstead and wide receiver Xavier Restrepo for the contest. Morstead was a no-brainer with Tommy Townsend out after injuring his knee against the Cleveland Browns. Restrepo's elevation points to Ridley playing, but
that is an educated guess heading into kickoff.
Will Franklin-Myers play against the Bengals?
This is the million-dollar question heading into the game. Franklin-Myers has been limited with back and groin injuries all week, and his loss would be a devastating blow after the Simmons trade. Tennessee didn’t elevate a defensive lineman, which is a positive sign, but it's not definitive.
Who would replace Franklin-Myers if he can’t play?
If Franklin-Myers can’t go, the rotation of Timmy Horne, Nazir Stackhouse, and Solomon Thomas will likely get most of the playing time, but defensive tackles Jackie Marshall or Jonah Laulu could make their Titans debut.
On the outside, rookie first-rounder Keldric Faulk could also see more snaps if Franklin-Myers is sidelined.
Will Ridley play against the Bengals?
The Titans did not downgrade Ridley on Saturday after he practiced fully on Friday. Tennessee did elevate Restrepo, but with Carnell Tate already declared out, they needed to add another receiver.
Who would replace Ridley if he can’t play?
Wide receivers Elic Ayomanor and Chimere Dike would likely be first in line, especially Ayomanor, who has already rotated with Ridley throughout the season. Restrepo could also get some time, but in a rotational role.
Will Jaylon Jones play against the Bengals?
Jones was added to the injury report late Friday with a knee injury, with no follow-up details given. Jones has been mostly inactive throughout the season, so even if he is out, it won’t move the needle.
This article originally appeared on Titans Wire: Will Tennessee Titans' John Franklin-Myers play in Week 8?
