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Is Cedric Gray Earning His Way Back Into Linebacker Rotation?
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- Is Cedric Gray Earning His Way Back Into Linebacker Rotation?
(Scott Galvin-Imagn Images)
It hasn't been the kind of season Tennessee Titans linebacker Cedric Gray expected so far.
Ahead of the season opener, he had a UTV accident that gave him a concussion. He couldn't clear concussion protocol and was ruled out of the New York Jets game. Rookie Anthony Hill Jr. started in his place and did well.
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Hill led the team with 16 total tackles and nearly forced a fumble. Gray returned and started in Week 2 against the Philadelphia Eagles.
Or so we thought.
Gray was on the field for 30 snaps against the Eagles and Baltimore Ravens. Gray started to lose playing time to Hill, who has been a nice surprise for the defense so far.
Hill currently leads the Titans with 56 total tackles and also has one TFL. However, for a linebacker who had 164 total tackles, seven TFLs and one sack last year, this has been a change of pace for Gray.
Recently, Gray seems to be getting more playing time. He had 38 snaps in the 26-20 win over the Indianapolis Colts. Gray was on the field for nearly half of the Titans' defensive plays in Week 6.
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At Friday's press conference, Robert Saleh discussed Gray's situation and noted that the linebacker is getting more opportunities. He credited him with staying focused during this stretch of inconsistent playing time.
Saleh shouted out Cody Barton for his play this season as well.
"So, with all these athletes, they get very frustrated and they have, you know, there's a lot of conversations to try to get them back on track so they can just focus on what's most important, which is doing your job, being the best you can and controlling the things you have control over," Saleh said. "And, you know, to Ced's credit, you know, he's done an outstanding job. He's earned more and more plays. I don't know if anyone's noticed it, but he's getting more opportunities, but Cody does a nice job, and he's earned a right to play."
This is one of the challenges the Titans are facing at the moment. You don't want to give Hill less playing time. He's been on fire lately.
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That game he had in the season opener wasn't a fluke. Hill has continued to produce this season.
Then, you have Barton. Barton has 29 total tackles and has done well. Gray also has 29 total tackles and 0.5 sacks, with two TFLs.
Saleh is trying to find the linebacker combination that best fits his defense. The Titans have a lot of good options at the position.
At the moment, it seems like Gray is slowly starting to work his way back into the rotation. Sunday will be very telling.
The Titans take on the Cleveland Browns at Nissan Stadium. They are returning home for the first time in two weeks before going on the road again to face the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 8.
Gray's snap count from Sunday will be worth monitoring. The Titans kick off against the Browns at noon CT on CBS.
