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NASHVILLE, Tenn. –** Titans right tackle Jack Conklin suffered a torn left ACL in Saturday's game against the Patriots and will need surgery.
Tight end Jonnu Smith suffered a torn MCL in the game. Smith should be able to return for organized team workouts this offseason, although Conklin's injury could impact his start to the 2018 season.
"Jack Conklin tore his ACL, and he will have surgery in the next two weeks," coach Mike Mularkey said on Sunday. "He will be a possible PUP candidate once we get though training camp just based on the timing of the injury, which is unfortunate."
Conklin started all 16 games for the second straight season in 2017 a year after being named All-Pro following his rookie year in 2016. Conklin was a first-round draft pick by the team in 2016.
Conklin suffered the injury in the first quarter of Saturday's game and did not return.
"It's now how you want to go into the offseason," Mularkey said of Conklin. "It's a lot of work. Jack will have no problem doing that – that's the kind of player he is, the person he is. It is disappointing for him. He had a good year, and to end it that way.
"Nobody wants to see anybody get hurt. It is disappointing because he has a long rehab to go."
Titans players clear out their lockers at Saint Thomas Sports Park, signaling the start of the 2018 offseason. (Photos: Gary Glenn)
