Chidobe Awuzie has been out of the Titans’ lineup since September, but he could be back in the picture soon. The veteran corner will return to practice this week, head coach Brian Callahan announced on Monday. 
Awuzie suffered a groin injury in Week 3, and he landed on injured reserve shortly thereafter. The IR designation ensured at least a four-game absence, but the 29-year-old has been unavailable well past the point when he first became eligible to resume practicing. Today’s news is a positive update regarding Awuzie’s ability to take part in the latter stages of the campaign, though.
Once the free agent pickup officially returns to practice, his 21-day activation period will begin. Awuzie will need to be moved to the active roster within that span to avoid reverting to season-ending IR. Provided that happens, he will give Tennessee another starting option in the secondary after he handled first-team duties during his opening Titans contests.
Awuzie followed Callahan from Cincinnati to Tennessee this offseason, inking a three-year, $36MM deal. Expectations were high for the former second-rounder in particular and the Titans’ secondary overall entering the year. The trade acquisition of L’Jarus Sneed and the hiring of Dennard Wilson as defensive coordinator has helped Tennessee lead the NFL in passing yards allowed per game so far (170). That success has come in spite of Sneed being limited to only five contests in 2024; he is now on IR.
While Sneed is set to continue missing time, Awuzue could return to action as soon as Week 13. He will not play a role in a postseason run given Tennessee’s 3-8 record, but remaining healthy upon activation would be a welcomed development for team and player ahead of the 2025 campaign.