The Tennessee Titans' offense in particular has to get back on track in Week 4, but it just got more difficult. On Friday, Titans coach Mike Vrabel ruled out four players including two of the offense's top options in wide receiver Treylon Burks and offensive lineman Peter Skoronski.
Four #Titans ruled OUT for Sunday vs @Bengals:
— Jim Wyatt (@jwyattsports) September 29, 2023
WR Treylon Burks
G Peter Skoronski
DB Elijah Molden
LB Luke Gifford
Burks' situation is concerning. After nursing a preseason knee injury through the first three weeks, Burks showed up to practice on Wednesday with a large brace on the injured knee. After that limited session, Burks did not participate on Thursday or Friday, leading to him being ruled out.
Surely Burks and the Titans are hopeful this isn't something that will linger throughout the entire season, but at this point, it is fair to wonder if it may. Burks is in his second year for the Titans after infamously being selected with the pick the Titans got in the A.J. Brown trade and that pressure along with his disappointing start has to be frustrating.
Skoronski's situation inspires more optimism. Skoronski missed the past two games after a Week 2 appendectomy, but was seen back with the team this week. Skoronski should be ready to return to practice after the weekend and could have a chance to be back in Week 5, a needed boost for a struggling offensive line.
We also have defensive back Elijah Molden and linebacker Luke Gifford ruled out. Gifford has been fantastic on the Titans' special teams units and Molden has filled in admirably as the third safety, even making a start and playing every snap in Week 2.
The Titans have as close to a "must-win" game as possible this early in the season on Sunday. Not having these four players will certainly make it more difficult. Regardless, if the Titans want to continue to hope this can be a winning season, they'll need to come out victorious.
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