NASHVILLE – The Titans are back in the building, and they have their sights set on Tuesday night's game against the undefeated Buffalo Bills.
With a roster ravaged by positive COVID-19 test results, players know the challenge.
"Obviously we're going to be missing some guys, but that's just the situation we're in," Titans quarterback Ryan Tannehill said on Saturday. "We didn't choose this, but we're living in the middle of a pandemic and this came up. We're going to be down some guys, but it also raises a big opportunity for some guys that have been with us."
Titans safety Kevin Byard said the team will be ready.
"At the end of the day I am excited, and happy that we're back in the building," Byard said. "We're happy to be back, and we're trying to come in here and focus on wining the ball game.
"At the end of the day, we're not going to make any excuses. We're going to focus on what we need to focus on, and that's winning the ball game."
The Titans have placed receiver Corey Davis, defensive lineman Jeffery Simmons, receiver Adam Humphries, cornerback Kristian Fulton, outside linebacker Kamalei Correa, defensive lineman DaQuan Jones, tight end MyCole Pruitt, fullback Khari Blasingame and long snapper Beau Brinkley from the 53-man roster on the team's Reserve/COVID-19 list since the team's Week 3 win at Minnesota, along with tight end Tommy Hudson, defensive back Breon Borders and receiver Cameron Batson from the team's practice squad. Those players joined tackle Isaiah Wilson and practice squad cornerback Greg Mabin on the team's COVID-19 list. Wilson was placed on the COVID-19 list on September 6 and Mabin was placed on the list prior to the trip to Minnesota in Week 3.
Vrabel said on Saturday the plan is for tackle Isaiah Wilson to come off the COVID list today, and practice at Saint Thomas Sports Park.
Vrabel also indicated some of the other players currently on the COVID list could be available, including Brinkley.
"I would say hopefully (we get some guys back)," Vrabel said. "That's going to be something that we'll have to look at."
On Saturday, the Titans had a second straight day of negative tests, clearing the way for the team to return to practice for the first time since last month. Today's practice was moved inside the team's indoor practice facility due to rain and storms in the Nashville area.
Because of the positive COVID-19 tests, the Titans had their game against the Steelers, originally scheduled for October 4, rescheduled for October 25. The game against the Bills was originally scheduled for Sunday.
"I think the guys have tried to stay engaged in meetings (this week) via Zoom, and I think our coaches continue to do a great job of coaching," Vrabel said. "We are excited to be back in the building, to continue our prep for Buffalo.
"We're not going to use any sort of excuse. We'll be ready. We'll be focused.""
