Incredibly, Jeffery Simmons could make his NFL debut as soon as this weekend. NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport reports (via Twitter) that the first-rounder has been activated from the reserve/non-football injury list.
The Mississippi State-developed interior defender was viewed as a potential top-10 pick before suffering a torn ACL during pre-draft training. The Titans still made the lineman the 19th-overall pick with the understanding that he’d likely sit out his entire rookie campaign. That apparently won’t be the case; Rapoport notes that while the team will naturally be cautious with their investment, Simmons clearly proved in practice that he was ready to play.
Players have returned from ACL tears in playoff games in time for Week 1 of the following season, so a Simmons debut at some point over the next few weeks seems likely. That may also depend on Tennessee’s playoff prospects, which do not look especially promising after Sunday’s shutout loss.
Simmons registered 32.5 tackles for loss in three seasons at Mississippi State. The Titans are hoping he brings that pass-rushing prowess to the NFL.
The Titans weren’t finished making moves. Rapoport tweets that the team will also be promoting linebacker Derick Roberson from the practice squad. Earlier today, the team cut veteran defensive lineman Brent Urban.
Can’t believe he Beat the timeline