Titans Missing Key Starters Sneed and Cushenberry at Training Camp Due to Injuries

Key Players Missing at Titans Training Camp

The Tennessee Titans are set to report for training camp this week, but their first practice session on Wednesday will be without two key starters. Both L’Jarius Sneed and Lloyd Cushenberry are expected to begin the season on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list, raising concerns about their availability for the early part of the 2025 season.

L’Jarius Sneed’s Health Struggles

L’Jarius Sneed has been dealing with a persistent health issue since suffering a season-ending quad injury just five games into his tenure with the Titans last fall. His recovery has involved both his knee, which has long been a chronic concern, and his quad, an acute injury that has proven particularly difficult to heal. Despite his efforts in rehab, Sneed is currently not fit enough to participate in practice.

This news comes as a major disappointment for fans, who had hoped to see Sneed return to form after his initial struggles. During the offseason, he was seen briefly at the team’s facility during the Organized Team Activities (OTAs), but he remained absent from actual practice. The only public statement he made recently was during an interview at a youth football camp in June, where he expressed optimism about his recovery.

“I’m healthy, I’m healthy as I’ve ever been. You know, last year, my first year (in Tennessee) didn’t go as planned. But, you know, it’s time to come out and show the world and show what God has been instilling in me this entire year. I’m ready to get back on the field, and that’s my life, that’s what I do for a living. And I missed a whole year, and you know, I have to remind everybody who L’Jarius Sneed is.”

While his words were encouraging, it seems that “healthy as I’ve ever been” may not yet mean fully ready to play. However, multiple sources indicate that Sneed is still on track to return in time for the season. The timeline for his return to practice remains uncertain, but the goal of being ready for the start of the regular season is still intact.

Head Coach Brian Callahan has spoken about the importance of balancing Sneed’s rehab with his development. He noted that while Sneed is in a good place, there is still work to be done to ensure he can perform at his best.

Lloyd Cushenberry’s Recovery

Another starter, center Lloyd Cushenberry, is also expected to begin the season on the PUP list. This is less surprising, given that he is still recovering from a torn Achilles tendon sustained in November 2024. It has been over 10 months since the injury, and while early reports on his progress have been positive, he is not yet ready to return to practice.

Until Cushenberry is cleared, rookie quarterback Cam Ward will have to rely on backups like Corey Levin or Sam Mustipher. While these players are capable, the quarterback-center connection is crucial for effective communication and execution on the field. The longer Cushenberry is away, the more time he loses to build that relationship with Ward.

Achilles injuries are known for being unpredictable and challenging to recover from. While there is hope that Cushenberry can return to his previous level of performance, it’s important to recognize that the path to full recovery is often fraught with uncertainty.

Impact on the Team

The absence of Sneed and Cushenberry at the start of training camp presents challenges for the Titans as they prepare for the 2025 season. Both players bring valuable experience and skill to their respective positions, and their absence could affect the team’s depth and cohesion.

With Sneed’s potential return and Cushenberry’s ongoing recovery, the coaching staff will need to manage expectations carefully. Fans will be watching closely to see how these players progress and whether they can make a meaningful impact when they return to the field.