The Titans have ruled out several key players for Sunday’s game against the Texans, including defensive lineman Teair Tart (personal), receiver Kyle Philips (hamstring), defensive lineman Jeffery Simmons (knee), and tight end Josh Whyle (knee).
Teair Tart’s absence from the lineup suggests that he may have played his final game for the Titans. According to a report by Paul Kuharsky of paulkuharsky.com, the team is parting ways with Tart due to ongoing issues that have reached a breaking point. Tart’s dissatisfaction with his contract situation, coupled with what the Titans perceive as unsatisfactory effort and attitude, has led to this decision.
Tart has been absent from practice this week for personal reasons, and despite being listed as questionable, he played 31 of 72 defensive snaps in the previous game against the Dolphins. Signs of tension between Tart and the team have been evident, with head coach Mike Vrabel referencing Tart’s “individual situation” related to impending free agency and emphasizing the balance between playing well for the team and addressing personal matters.
Defensive line coach Terrell Williams has avoided discussing Tart when asked about the player earlier in the season. Tart, who joined the Titans as an undrafted rookie in 2020, has expressed his discontent on social media through cryptic messages.
The absence of Simmons and the season-ending injury to Kyle Peko leave the Titans thin on the interior of the defensive line. If the Titans decide to cut Tart, he will enter the waiver wire, providing other teams an opportunity to claim him.
