Titans' Star Defensive Tackle Expected Back for TNF

The Tennessee Titans should have their top defensive lineman back in the fold when they take the field against the Green Bay Packers on Thursday Night Football. Defensive Tackle Jeffery Simmons is expected to return for tonight's game.

#Titans DT Jeffery Simmons is expected to play tonight against the #Packers, sources tell me and @RapSheet. One of the top defensive linemen in the game is back after missing last week’s win over the #Broncos.
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) November 17, 2022

Simmons missed the Titans' Week 10 17-10 win over the Denver Broncos with a lingering ankle injury he aggravated in Week 9's 20-17 overtime loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. His 5.5 sacks this season are second on the team, and he sports an exceptional 89.9 overall grade from Pro Football Focus.

Simmons is arguably the best player on a Titans' defense that ranks eighth in points allowed this season. The fourth-year player earned his first Pro Bowl in 2021, notching 8.5 sacks and 12 tackles for loss for last year's top-seeded Titans, and he's on pace for a career year this season. He could earn himself an extension this offseason that makes him one of the league's highest-paid defenders.

Simmons initially joined the Titans as their 19th overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft. He has earned consistently solid marks from Pro Football Focus since entering the league, never dipping below the 70.4 grade he earned in his rookie season. The Titans have made the playoffs every year since his arrival.