NASHVILLE – The Titans returned to the practice field on Tuesday at Ascension Saint Thomas Sports Park to continue preparations for Sunday's game vs the New Orleans Saints.
Here's a look at the developments from the day:
-The Titans celebrated returner Chimere Dike and defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons on Tuesday.
During a team meeting, players cheered as defensive line coach Tracy Rocker informed the group that Simmons had been elected for the fourth time in his career.
Then special teams coordinator John Fassel made it known Dike had been elected for the Pro Bowl Games in his rookie season.
"It was a cool moment, to be around your teammates who have been here throughout the journey, put so much work in alongside you," Dike said. "It was truly special. I was pumped up. It's something you dream of as a kid, so I am thankful to Bones (Fassel) and everyone who had faith for me to be back there."
Here's a clip at Dike discussing the achievement in the locker room:
Simmons, also named a Pro Bowler in 2021, 2022 and 2024, said it's something that never gets old.
"Any time you can get voted, especially throughout this league, I have been in it seven years now," Simmons said. "I know how hard it is, especially when you are considered as an a$$ on the football field – when I am playing I talk a lot of smack.
"When you get the respect across the league from coaches and players, and especially with the fans … I am grateful and honored to reach my fourth Pro Bowl. It still means a lot."
Here's Simmons in the locker room after today's practice:
And here's the initial story about Simmons and Dike being elected:
-The Titans were back on the practice field today for a walkthrough practice.
The team is not required to submit an injury report until Wednesday.
-The Titans placed receiver Bryce Oliver, edge Femi Oladejo, and edge Ali Gaye on the team's Designated to Return to Practice list last week.
This designation opened up a three-week window for all three players to practice with the team, and they will not count against the team's 53-man roster until being activated from Injured Reserve.
None of the players were activated for this past Sunday's game, but all three players were spotted at Tuesday's practice.
Now, for the rest of the injury updates on Tuesday:
-Cornerback Marcus Harris and running back Julius Chestnut were the only two players not spotted on the field during the open portion of the walkthrough, but both players were in the locker room during media availability.
-Practice squad receiver Xavier Restrepo, who left the team's November 30 game against the Jaguars with an ankle injury, was on the practice field again on Tuesday.
-Linebacker Cedric Gray, who missed the Kansas City game with a concussion, was on the practice field on Tuesday.
-The Titans are scheduled to practice again on Christmas Eve. After taking Christmas day off, the team will return to the practice field on Friday to before holding a walkthrough on Saturday leading up to Sunday's game against the Saints.
Some more video clips from today:
