Titans 'Lucky' With Autry Injury

The veteran defensive lineman and team leader in sacks will miss time but is expected to play again this season after he got hurt in Thursday's victory over the Green Bay Packers.

Christopher Hanewinckel / USA Today Sports

NASHVILLE – The Tennessee Titans have been plagued by significant injuries all season, but it appears they may have avoided a worst-case scenario with one of their best defensive players.

Defensive lineman Denico Autry left Thursday’s game in the third quarter with a knee injury  and was carted to the locker room for evaluation.

Coach Mike Vrabel said Friday he doesn’t expect Autry’s injury to be a season-ender.

“I would expect there to be some time missed,” Vrabel said. “I think we really are lucky at seeing Denico already (Friday). There may be some time missed, but 'Nico usually finds a way to get back sooner rather than later.”

That’s encouraging news, considering how much Autry has meant to the defense this season. He leads the Titans in sacks (seven), quarterback hits (35) and tackles for loss (six). Autry also has 20 tackles, second to Jeffery Simmons (34) among the team’s defensive linemen.

The ninth-year veteran has played in all 27 games for the Titans since he signed with them prior to the 2021 season.

Autry didn’t record a tackle in 27 snaps against Green Bay but did post a quarterback hit and also blocked an extra point.

He wasn’t the only Tennessee player injured in the game against the Packers.

Cornerback Kristian Fulton left with a hamstring injury. He had missed the previous contest with a hamstring injury and had been listed as questionable for the Green Bay contest.

Defensive lineman Teair Tart also left the game with an ankle injury.

The Titans have already placed 20 players on injured reserve this season, the highest number in the NFL, per Spotrac. The team currently has 15 players on injured reserve, which also is the highest figure in the league.

Vrabel said he is hopeful that some injured players will be able to return by the Titans’ next game – Nov. 27 against Cincinnati.

In the meantime, the Titans will enjoy some much-needed rest throughout the weekend and Monday.

“We’ll be back in on Tuesday,” Vrabel said. “We’ll work Tuesday and Wednesday, able to give them Thursday (Thanksgiving) to spend with their families and loved ones and get back to work on Friday.”