Quick Hits

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Wednesday's Quick Hits: Jeffery Simmons Practices for First Time, Players React to QB Change, and the Titans Injury Report

Oct 16, 2019 at 03:14 PM

Jim Wyatt

Senior Writer/Editor

NASHVILLE -- The Titans returned to the practice field on Wednesday at Saint Thomas Sports Park to continue preparations for Sunday's game against the Los Angeles Chargers.

Here's a look at three quick hits from Wednesday:

Simmons Practices

Titans defensive lineman Jeffery Simmons practiced with his teammates for the first time on Wednesday.

Simmons, the 19th overall pick in April's NFL Draft, suffered a torn ACL during a workout in February. He spent the first six weeks of the season rehabbing the injury.

"I am just glad to be back out there," Simmons said. "I have been waiting on this all year, trying to get back healthy. … I just have to trust the process and do what they ask me to do."

Simmons began the season on the team's Non-Football Injury list. NFI rules allow players to begin practicing with the team after Week 6. When the Titans feel Simmons is ready, they'll need to move him to the 53-man roster while making a corresponding move. There's a chance he could play as early as this Sunday.

Simmons, outfitted in a dark visor on his facemask, looked good in drills.

His teammates were happy to see him out there.

"My mindset is to not even think about the injury," Simmons said. "My mindset is just to go out and whatever they have me doing, do it full force. I want to help this team any way I can."

First look at @Titans first round pick Jeffery Simmons (@GrindSimmons94) on practice field today. pic.twitter.com/bZXQt4Afdg
— Jim Wyatt (@jwyattsports) October 16, 2019

.@GrindSimmons94 just headed out the door for his first @Titans practice. Here’s what he said before putting on his helmet.
🎥 pic.twitter.com/v6wjb6Pq9l
— Jim Wyatt (@jwyattsports) October 16, 2019

Brown, Lewan on QB Change

Titans rookie receiver A.J. Brown is just six games into his NFL career, and already he's dealing with a quarterback change.

On Wednesday, Titans head coach Mike Vrabel announced Ryan Tannehill as the starter for Sunday, in place of Marcus Mariota.

Brown said he supports both QBs. He acknowledged he feels badly for Mariota. Brown showed up at the team's October 6 game against the Bills in a No.8 jersey.

"It's tough – I'm can't even lie," Brown said. "But it is out of my control, and I just have to do my part. … Marcus is a great dude, and he leads by example. When you see something like this happen, it is tough. But I have a lot of confidence in both of them to be honest. Since Day One, we have been working with Marcus and (Ryan)."

Titans left tackle Taylor Lewan said he's focusing on his job.

"I have to play left tackle, and I have a job to do," Lewan said. "I expect everyone to do their job. At the end of the day, this is the NFL and we all have a job to do. My job is to play left tackle, and if they put me in at quarterback then we'd lose every single game. So I can't have a comment at quarterback because I don't even know how the hell to throw the ball past 15 yards any more."

.@Titans receiver @Brown1arthur on the team’s QB change. pic.twitter.com/SeWAutoe0Q
— Jim Wyatt (@jwyattsports) October 16, 2019

Injury Report

Outside linebacker Cameron Wake (hamstring), tackle Jack Conklin (ankle), linebacker Jayon Brown (groin), linebacker Sharif Finch (shoulder) and cornerback Chris Milton (calf) did not practice on Wednesday.

Defensive lineman Jurrell Casey (shoulder), safety Kenny Vaccaro (quad) and tight end Delanie Walker (ankle) were limited.

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NASHVILLE, TN - OCTOBER 16, 2019 - Defensive lineman Jeffery Simmons #98 of the Tennessee Titans during practice at Saint Thomas Sports Park in Nashville, TN. Photo By Donald Page/Tennessee Titans