The Tennessee Titans had an interesting Week 1, needing nearly six hours to get through a loss to the Miami Dolphins due to multiple weather delays. The week did not end well, not only because of the loss, but also because of the loss of a key player. Tight end Delanie Walker suffered a broken ankle during that game and is now expected to miss the remainder of the season. The news was announced on Monday, a day after their first loss of the season.
The team placed Walker on injured reserve without announcing the exact details regarding the severity of the injury. Head coach Mike Vrabel simply called it a "leg injury," although it is clearly more serious, as Walker will undergo surgery later this week.
The 34-year old signed a two-year, $17 million contract extension before the season, with $12.76 million in guaranteed money. This was earned after he made his third straight Pro Bowl appearance in 2017, as he led the team with 74 catches for 807 reception yards. He and Travis Kelce of the Kansas City Chiefs are the only two tight ends with at least 800 receiving yards in each of the past four seasons. This season was going to be his 13th in the NFL, and the sixth of which with the Titans. His 356 receptions in the past five years is good for the most by a tight end in that span.
Tennessee signed tight end MyCole Pruitt off of the Houston Texans practice squad in response to this news, as they are also dealing with other injuries. Taylor Lewan was placed on concussion protocol, while quarterback Marcus Mariota is dealing with an elbow injury. After a playoff appearance a season ago, this was not the start the Titans envisioned for 2018.
The team placed Walker on injured reserve without announcing the exact details regarding the severity of the injury. Head coach Mike Vrabel simply called it a "leg injury," although it is clearly more serious, as Walker will undergo surgery later this week.
The 34-year old signed a two-year, $17 million contract extension before the season, with $12.76 million in guaranteed money. This was earned after he made his third straight Pro Bowl appearance in 2017, as he led the team with 74 catches for 807 reception yards. He and Travis Kelce of the Kansas City Chiefs are the only two tight ends with at least 800 receiving yards in each of the past four seasons. This season was going to be his 13th in the NFL, and the sixth of which with the Titans. His 356 receptions in the past five years is good for the most by a tight end in that span.
Tennessee signed tight end MyCole Pruitt off of the Houston Texans practice squad in response to this news, as they are also dealing with other injuries. Taylor Lewan was placed on concussion protocol, while quarterback Marcus Mariota is dealing with an elbow injury. After a playoff appearance a season ago, this was not the start the Titans envisioned for 2018.