One of the several areas where the New York Jets have an edge over their Week 1 opponent, the Tennessee Titans, is at the linebacker spot.
Now, it looks like Tennessee could be at even more of a disadvantage at that position.
In a Monday statement from the Titans, it was revealed that linebacker Cedric Gray has been placed in the NFL’s concussion protocol after a UTV accident over the weekend.
“Over the weekend, Cedric Gray was involved in a UTV accident in Tennessee and sustained a concussion and minor injuries. We look forward to Cedric returning to the field soon and in full health when he clears the NFL’s concussion protocol,” the statement read.
Based on that, it is far from a guarantee that Gray will be able to suit up for Tennessee’s Week 1 matchup against the Jets on Sunday.
Gray is currently listed as one of the Titans’ starting linebackers alongside veteran Cody Barton. Missing him would be a tough blow for Robert Saleh’s defense.
During the 2025 season, he ranked seventh among 88 qualified linebackers in Pro Football Focus‘ overall grade at 78.9, and his 92.7 run-defense mark ranked second at the position. Gray’s 117 solo tackles were also the third most among LBs, per PFF.
Beyond Gray, there is James Williams Sr., who has yet to prove that he is a reliable NFL starter, and second-round rookie Anthony Hill Jr.
In order for Gray to play on Sunday, he must pass the NFL’s concussion protocol. Players diagnosed with a concussion must work through a structured protocol, and there is no clear timetable that indicates a return is near.
To be cleared, Gray must first show no symptoms and pass cognitive exams. After that, he can progress from moderate conditioning to monitored weight training, then to non-contact football drills, and ultimately to full practice before rejoining game action.
That’s a long process for a player to clear in less than one week.
In a spot where Tennessee is already weak, missing one of their key cogs in Gray would be a significant loss for the team.
