First Bears Opponent Scrambling to Fill Out Defensive Front

The Titans acquired linebacker Ernest Jones from the Rams this week for the opener at Soldier Field as an immediate starter, plugging one of several holes they have up front due to injuries.

Ernest Jones pursues Giants QB Tyrod Taylor in preseason play. Jones has been acquired by the Titans in a trade after injury issues. / Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

The defense the Bears face in their season opener at Soldier Field is reeling because of injuries, and now adding players at the last minute who might need to play big roles with a new team.

The Titans last year were last in interceptions and next-to-last in takeaways and are rebuilt defensively under new defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson, a former pro scout for the Bears under Jerry Angelo during the Lovie Smith era and longtime NFL assistant. He's using a 3-4.

Tennessee Titans (2024)

Preseason, Week 3.

Heavy I-formation. Extra LT. Fullback. Two Tight ends.

The FB is Daniel Brunskill, a 6’5 300lb OL playing fullback who was a former college tight end.

Beefy. #TitanUp #NFL pic.twitter.com/O3E0hnSimy

— Last of the Fullbacks (@TheLastFullback) August 28, 2024

According to Jeremy Brener for The team is thin on the defensive line and suffering from injuries at linebacker. A situation like this can't be good for facing a team with the potential for running the ball like the Bears have on offense.

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The 53-man roster Tennessee has currently lists only four defensive linemen, and Jeremy Brener of Tennessee Titans On SI projects they'll be looking closely for reserves on waivers but it will be a situation where they have only about a week to prepare with a new team.

𝐍𝐄𝐖𝐒: Former Miami S turned LB James Williams has made the Tennessee Titans' 53-man roster.

The seventh-round pick has impressed the Titans organization with his performances in the preseason since switching positions. Williams posted the top @PFF linebacker grade in Week… pic.twitter.com/TL5r35UkSK

— Geo Milian (@GeoMilian) August 27, 2024

They do have a few talented D-linemen, anyway, especially Jeffery Simmons. It was Simmons who had ridiculed Bears QB Caleb Williams for painting his nails in a talk show appearance during the offseason. They also have rookie T'Vondre Sweat, unproven second-year player Keondre Coburn and veteran Sebastian Joseph-Day on the line.

The situation at linebacker for the Titans is tough, as well, and it's due to injuries. They have lost Chance Campbell, JoJo Domann and Garrett Wallow for the season due to injuries. Campbell just went out with a torn ACL suffered in Sunday's preseason finale, but the Titans traded for Ernest Jones of the Rams to try and plug a huge hole on Tuesday. However, he'll have only a week to prepare in a new scheme.

Who are the Tennessee #Titans getting in Ernest Jones? pic.twitter.com/iLM9kFjCZi

— Jake Robertson (@GloryDaySports) August 27, 2024