The Tennessee Titans will be without some key players when they take on the Pittsburgh Steelers on Thursday Night Football in Week 9. Quarterback Ryan Tannehill (ankle), right tackle Chris Hubbard (concussion), cornerback Roger McCreary (hamstring), and safety Mike Brown (ankle) have all been ruled out.
Tannehill’s absence is the most significant, as he will miss his second consecutive start. Rookie quarterback Will Levis will make his second career start in his place. Levis played well in his debut last week, completing 26 of 38 passes for 280 yards and three touchdowns in a Titans win over the Houston Texans.
Hubbard’s absence is also a big blow, as he is a key starter on the Titans’ offensive line. Nicholas Petit-Frere is expected to start at right tackle in his place. McCreary is one of the Titans’ most promising young cornerbacks, but he has been sidelined by injuries for much of the season. Eric Garror is expected to start in his place.
Brown is a versatile defensive back who can play both safety and cornerback. Rashad Weaver is expected to start at safety in his place.
Despite the absences of these key players, the Titans will still be a dangerous opponent for the Steelers. The Titans have a strong running game led by Derrick Henry, and they have a talented group of wide receivers led by DeAndre Hopkins.
The Steelers will need to play a disciplined game in order to defeat the Titans. They will need to pressure Levis and force him into mistakes. They will also need to contain Henry and the Titans’ running game. If they can do those things, they will have a good chance of winning.