There was once a time where there was hope that Tennessee Titans 2024 fourth-round pick and linebacker Cedric Gray would start in his first season. But as training camp progressed, that became less and less likely as the rookie struggled.
And Gray's hopes of starting were dashed completely after he missed all three of the team's preseason games due to an injury that head coach Brian Callahan revealed is a nerve-related issue in his shoulder.
Adding to that, Callahan said that there is no timeline for Gray's return to the field, which is even worse news when you consider that the Titans have lost fellow linebacker Chance Campbell for the season to a torn ACL.
#Titans LB Cedric Gray is dealing with a nerve related shoulder injury. There's no real timeline on his return.
— TURRON DAVENPORT (@TDavenport_NFL) August 26, 2024
It would appear the Titans can't count on Gray to play in Week 1, although that has yet to be completely confirmed.
In our final 53-man roster prediction for the Titans, we had Tennessee keeping five linebackers in Kenneth Murray, Jack Gibbens, Campbell, Gray and Otis Reese. If Gray isn't going to be ready to go, that could open as many as two spots when we factor in Campbell's injury, also.
If the Titans don't bring anyone in from the outside, chances are James Williams and/or Luke Gifford will take the spot or spots that are available. If we had to pick between the two, we'd take the upside potential of Williams, who has flashed this offseason.