Tennessee Titans Cornerback L’Jarius Sneed Heads to Injured Reserve Amid Quad Injury Struggles
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The Tennessee Titans are facing yet another blow to their secondary as cornerback L’Jarius Sneed will officially be placed on injured reserve this Saturday, according to head coach Brian Callahan. Sneed, who suffered a quad injury in Week 6 against the Indianapolis Colts, has been unable to recover as quickly as initially hoped.
The injury, which occurred in the third quarter of that game, was first thought to be a simple quad bruise. However, further scans revealed it to be a more serious strain. “It didn’t get better very fast,” Callahan explained. “We felt like we had a chance to get him back, but it has not progressed and has been more complicated than a normal strain would be.”
With Sneed’s recovery stalling, the Titans made the tough decision to place him on injured reserve, a move Callahan said was necessary to give the cornerback the rest he needs. Sneed has been a key contributor to the Titans’ defense this season, recording 23 tackles in just five games. His absence will undoubtedly leave a void in Tennessee’s secondary.
A Frustrating Setback for Sneed
For Sneed, this injury has been a particularly tough pill to swallow. “It’s been tough,” he admitted earlier this month. “I want to be out there to help my brothers. It’s been challenging for me that I can’t get out there coming into my first year with the organization to make a name for myself here and get respect.”
The Titans acquired Sneed in a trade with the Kansas City Chiefs, sending a third-round pick in 2025 and a seventh-round pick in 2024 (No. 221 overall) in exchange for Sneed and a 2024 seventh-round pick (No. 252 overall). Following the trade, Sneed signed a lucrative four-year, $76.4 million contract in March, making his absence even more significant for a team that invested heavily in him.
Secondary Depth Tested
Sneed’s injury is just the latest in a string of setbacks for the Titans’ secondary. Earlier this season, Tennessee signed free agent cornerback Chidobe Awuzie to a three-year, $36 million deal. However, Awuzie also landed on injured reserve on September 27 due to a groin injury.
In their absence, the Titans have turned to younger players to fill the gaps. Rookie cornerback Jarvis Brownlee Jr. stepped in for Awuzie in Week 4 against the Miami Dolphins, while second-year cornerback Darrell Baker Jr. has been starting in place of Sneed since Week 7 against the Buffalo Bills.
Sneed’s Leadership Off the Field
Despite being sidelined, Sneed has remained an active presence in the locker room, offering guidance and mentorship to the younger players. “He took me under his wing and had just been feeding me knowledge,” Brownlee said. “It’s been helping me with my game a ton.”
Callahan praised Sneed’s efforts to contribute off the field, noting that his experience and insights have been invaluable to the team’s younger players. While his physical presence on the field is missed, his leadership has not gone unnoticed.
Hope for Awuzie’s Return
There is some good news for the Titans’ secondary, as Callahan revealed plans to open Awuzie’s 21-day window to return from injured reserve next week. The head coach expressed optimism about Awuzie’s recovery, saying he expects the process of getting him back on the field to move quickly.
As for Sneed, Callahan didn’t rule out the possibility of a return before the season ends, though it’s clear the team is taking a cautious approach to his recovery. For now, the Titans will have to rely on their younger players to step up and fill the void left by their injured veterans.
Key Takeaways
- L’Jarius Sneed will be placed on injured reserve due to a quad strain suffered in Week 6.
- Sneed has recorded 23 tackles in five games this season.
- The Titans’ secondary has been hit hard by injuries, with Chidobe Awuzie also on injured reserve.
- Rookie Jarvis Brownlee Jr. and second-year Darrell Baker Jr. have stepped up in their absence.
- Awuzie’s return could be on the horizon, with his 21-day window to return opening next week.
As the Titans navigate these challenges, the team’s resilience and depth will be put to the test. Can the younger players rise to the occasion and keep Tennessee’s playoff hopes alive? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: the Titans’ secondary will need all hands on deck to weather this storm.
Originally Written by: Turron Davenport
