The Titans collected an overtime win on Sunday, but their offensive line suffered a notable blow in the process. Center Lloyd Cushenberry departed the contest with an ankle injury which now threatens to sideline him for the remainder of the campaign. 
As veteran reporter Paul Kuharsky notes, the ailment is suspected to be an Achilles injury. Head coach Brian Callahan said in his post-game press conference the situation is “not real positive” with respect to either Cushenberry or safety Quandre Diggs. When sentiments like that are immediately expressed, testing often confirms the worst-case scenario.
If Cushenberry is indeed out for the year, Tennessee will be without a key figure up front. The 26-year-old severed as a full-time starter for four seasons with the Broncos, generating a strong market after finishing his rookie contract. Cushenberry inked a four-year, $50MM pact with the Titans in free agency, sending him to a new team and establishing high expectations upon arrival. The LSU product has nod had the start he or the Titans wanted, but losing him for an extended period would still mark a notable loss for the offense.
Cushenberry ranked 10th amongst qualifying centers in terms of PFF grade last season, his best showing in that respect during his career. At this point, he currently sits only 31st with a career-worst mark of 55.2. The former third-rounder had been charged with 13 pressures allowed entering today’s contest as the Titans have struggled up front with a number of new faces along the O-line.
Corey Levin – elevated from the practice squad ahead of Week 9 to provide interior depth – took over at center once Cushenberry went down. Moving forward, Daniel Brunskill may be the top choice in the middle if health elsewhere on the line allows it. Brunskill filled in at right guard Sunday with Dillon Radunz out of the lineup; if the latter were to return in time for Week 10, Brunskill could move to center with Levin handling backup duties once again.
$30MM in guarantees are present in Cushenberry’s deal, including $26MM locked in at signing. As a result, his status will be key for Tennessee as the team looks to find continuity up front. If the worst-case scenario is confirmed, attention will turn to his recovery process and an attempt to be available in time for Week 1 in 2025.
And people told us broncos fans that we were stupid for letting him walk, even though he only had one good season with us. He was a potential cut candidate the two years prior for how bad he played. I feel bad for him, but at least he got paid in an overpaid contract beforehand.
Too bad on the injury. The Titans got a much needed win with Pollard having a big day but Maye fought till the end. Could the Pats had won if they had gone for two? With the start to the season Mayo has had, he probably liked his chances better in overtime.