The Tennessee Titans will travel to Baltimore to take on the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium in what should be an interesting Week 4 matchup.
The Titans head into the week with some injury concerns, some of which come at a position shrouded in mystery. Tennessee enters Sunday with three players- Tyjae Spears, Kevin Winston Jr., and Garrett Dellinger questionable for the contest, with Dellinger being a late addition on Saturday due to an illness.
Dellinger spent all week battling to help replace Fernando Carmons and Jackson Slater at right guard after both were placed on injured reserve during the week.
Roster moves
Tennessee made a few roster moves and used an elevation to insulate themselves if any of the three players can’t go. Tennessee added Dellinger
on Wednesday along with veteran running back Michael Carter, and on Saturday, they used a standard elevation on Drew Moss. These moves cover Dellinger and Spears, but they did not use an elevation on a safety, a good sign Winston should be able to play.
Will Spears play against Ravens?
With Tennessee signing Carter to the 53-man roster and head coach Robert Saleh mentioning Spears having to clear some hurdles to be active this week, it is a distinct possibility Spears sets this one out. He was a full participant in practice Friday, which bodes well, but with weather a concern, it will likely be a game-time decision.
Who would replace Spears in the lineup?
If Spears can’t go, look for rookie Nick Singleton to get a few added carries, with Carter sprinkled in. Singleton made his NFL debut against the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 2 and looked good, though he left some yards on the field. Carter is a veteran and can play multiple roles if called upon.
Will Winston play against Ravens?
With Winston a mid-week addition to the injury report after injuring his shoulder during practice on Thursday and then sitting out practice on Friday, it is hard to tell his status. Winston is a key contributor to the defense, and his absence will be felt. With Tennessee not elevating any defensive backs, that should be a positive sign he will be available this week, but there is still a chance his shoulder holds him out.
Who would replace Winston in the lineup?
If Winston can’t go, veteran Tony Adams would take over as the starter, and Terrell Burgess and Erick Hallett will likely move into the backup roles. Hallett was added to the 53-man roster ahead of the Giants game and has been active in all three games this season. He brings more experience in the system than Burgess, which could help.
Will Dellinger play against the Ravens?
This is the biggest question of the weekend, given the Titans' right-guard situation. As of Friday, no starter had been announced after Dellinger and Atonio Mafi battled all week to replace Fernando Carmona as the starter, with the loser of the battle placed as the primary backup along the interior to replace Jackson Slater.
Who would replace Dellinger in the lineup?
Since no one except the coaching staff knows the plan at right guard, it’s easy to point to Mafi as the starter if Dellinger can’t go. Mafi is a veteran with exerience playing under offensive line coach Carmen Bricillo and could have already won the job, so this makes for an interesting development.
Tennessee used a standard elevation on Drew Moss, which could point to Dellinger sitting out and Moss taking over the swing interior position.
This article originally appeared on Titans Wire: Will Titans' Tyjae Spears, Kevin Winston, or Garrett Dellinger play?
