What fallout, if any, came from Jeffery Simmons ejection at Titans practice?
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What fallout, if any, came from Jeffery Simmons ejection at Titans practice?
Nick Suss, Nashville Tennessean·The Tennessean
·
2 min read
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At no point in the following answer doesAustin Schlottmannsay the word "no."
Schlottmann, the frontrunner to be theTennessee Titans' starting center in 2026, was fittingly mixed up in the center of the squabble that led to stardefensive tackle Jeffery Simmons' ejection from practice on Aug. 4 for throwing a punch.Two days later,speaking to reporters,The Tennesseanasked Schlottmann if he saw himself as something of an instigator in that moment.
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"Jeff and I have kind of, I wouldn't say (we) 'get into it,' but we kind of, there's just some talking after some plays most days," Schlottmann said. "It was kind of a normal thing. I don't know. It might've gone on a little longer than normal. But we're just playing football. That's part of it."
Tennessee Titans quarterback Cam Ward (1) throws during training camp at Vanderbilt Health Football Center Thursday, Aug. 6, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
Tennessee Titans owner Amy Adams Strunk talks with Coach Robert Saleh during training camp at Vanderbilt Health Football Center Thursday, Aug. 6, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
Tennessee Titans wide receiver Carnell Tate (14) stretches during training camp at Vanderbilt Health Football Center Thursday, Aug. 6, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
Tennessee Titans wide receiver Calvin Ridley (0) makes a catch during training camp at Vanderbilt Health Football Center Thursday, Aug. 6, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
Tennessee Titans quarterback Cam Ward (1) shakes hands with Offensive Coordinator Brian Daboll during training camp at Vanderbilt Health Football Center Thursday, Aug. 6, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
Tennessee Titans wide receiver K.J. Osborn (85) goes through warmups during training camp at Vanderbilt Health Football Center Thursday, Aug. 6, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
Tennessee Titans wide receivers Hank Beatty (13) and Calvin Ridley (0) stretch during training camp at Vanderbilt Health Football Center Thursday, Aug. 6, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
Tennessee Titans quarterback Mitchell Trubisky (10) throws during training camp at Vanderbilt Health Football Center Thursday, Aug. 6, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
Tennessee Titans wide receiver Chimere Dike (17) goes through warmups during training camp at Vanderbilt Health Football Center Thursday, Aug. 6, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
Tennessee Titans Coach Robert Saleh walks through warmups during training camp at Vanderbilt Health Football Center Thursday, Aug. 6, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
Tennessee Titans wide receivers Calvin Ridley (0) and Chimere Dike (17) go through warmups during training camp at Vanderbilt Health Football Center Thursday, Aug. 6, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
Tennessee Titans quarterback Cam Ward (1) goes through drills during training camp at Vanderbilt Health Football Center Thursday, Aug. 6, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
Tennessee Titans linebacker James Williams Sr. (52) goes through warmups during training camp at Vanderbilt Health Football Center Thursday, Aug. 6, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
Tennessee Titans quarterback Will Levis (8) throws during training camp at Vanderbilt Health Football Center Thursday, Aug. 6, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
Tennessee Titans quarterback Mitchell Trubisky (10) talks with wide receiver Calvin Ridley (0) during training camp at Vanderbilt Health Football Center Thursday, Aug. 6, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
Tennessee Titans wide receiver Wan’Dale Robinson (4) makes a catch during training camp at Vanderbilt Health Football Center Thursday, Aug. 6, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
Tennessee Titans quarterback Hendon Hooker (16) throws during training camp at Vanderbilt Health Football Center Thursday, Aug. 6, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
Tennessee Titans wide receiver Calvin Ridley (0) makes a catch during training camp at Vanderbilt Health Football Center Thursday, Aug. 6, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
Tennessee Titans quarterback Mitchell Trubisky (10) throws during training camp at Vanderbilt Health Football Center Thursday, Aug. 6, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
Tennessee Titans wide receiver Wan’Dale Robinson (4) makes a catch during training camp at Vanderbilt Health Football Center Thursday, Aug. 6, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
Tennessee Titans quarterback Cam Ward (1) throws during training camp at Vanderbilt Health Football Center Thursday, Aug. 6, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
Tennessee Titans wide receiver K.J. Osborn (85) stretches during training camp at Vanderbilt Health Football Center Thursday, Aug. 6, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
Tennessee Titans quarterback Mitchell Trubisky (10) throws during training camp at Vanderbilt Health Football Center Thursday, Aug. 6, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
Tennessee Titans owner Amy Adams Strunk talks with Coach Robert Saleh during training camp at Vanderbilt Health Football Center Thursday, Aug. 6, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
Tennessee Titans quarterback Hendon Hooker (16) throws during training camp at Vanderbilt Health Football Center Thursday, Aug. 6, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
Tennessee Titans tight end Gunnar Helm (84) stretches during training camp at Vanderbilt Health Football Center Thursday, Aug. 6, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
Tennessee Titans quarterback Will Levis (8) throws during training camp at Vanderbilt Health Football Center Thursday, Aug. 6, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
Tennessee Titans quarterback Mitchell Trubisky talks with wide receiver Calvin Ridley (not pictured) during training camp at Vanderbilt Health Football Center Thursday, Aug. 6, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
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Inside Tennessee Titans practice on Thursday. Our best photos
Tennessee Titans quarterback Cam Ward (1) throws during training camp at Vanderbilt Health Football Center Thursday, Aug. 6, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
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Inside Tennessee Titans practice on Thursday. Our best photos
Tennessee Titans quarterback Cam Ward (1) throws during training camp at Vanderbilt Health Football Center Thursday, Aug. 6, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
2/28
Inside Tennessee Titans practice on Thursday. Our best photos
Tennessee Titans owner Amy Adams Strunk talks with Coach Robert Saleh during training camp at Vanderbilt Health Football Center Thursday, Aug. 6, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
3/28
Inside Tennessee Titans practice on Thursday. Our best photos
Tennessee Titans wide receiver Carnell Tate (14) stretches during training camp at Vanderbilt Health Football Center Thursday, Aug. 6, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
4/28
Inside Tennessee Titans practice on Thursday. Our best photos
Tennessee Titans wide receiver Calvin Ridley (0) makes a catch during training camp at Vanderbilt Health Football Center Thursday, Aug. 6, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
5/28
Inside Tennessee Titans practice on Thursday. Our best photos
Tennessee Titans quarterback Cam Ward (1) shakes hands with Offensive Coordinator Brian Daboll during training camp at Vanderbilt Health Football Center Thursday, Aug. 6, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
6/28
Inside Tennessee Titans practice on Thursday. Our best photos
Tennessee Titans wide receiver K.J. Osborn (85) goes through warmups during training camp at Vanderbilt Health Football Center Thursday, Aug. 6, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
7/28
Inside Tennessee Titans practice on Thursday. Our best photos
Tennessee Titans wide receivers Hank Beatty (13) and Calvin Ridley (0) stretch during training camp at Vanderbilt Health Football Center Thursday, Aug. 6, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
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Inside Tennessee Titans practice on Thursday. Our best photos
Tennessee Titans quarterback Mitchell Trubisky (10) throws during training camp at Vanderbilt Health Football Center Thursday, Aug. 6, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
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Inside Tennessee Titans practice on Thursday. Our best photos
Tennessee Titans wide receiver Chimere Dike (17) goes through warmups during training camp at Vanderbilt Health Football Center Thursday, Aug. 6, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
10/28
Inside Tennessee Titans practice on Thursday. Our best photos
Tennessee Titans Coach Robert Saleh walks through warmups during training camp at Vanderbilt Health Football Center Thursday, Aug. 6, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
11/28
Inside Tennessee Titans practice on Thursday. Our best photos
Tennessee Titans wide receivers Calvin Ridley (0) and Chimere Dike (17) go through warmups during training camp at Vanderbilt Health Football Center Thursday, Aug. 6, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
12/28
Inside Tennessee Titans practice on Thursday. Our best photos
Tennessee Titans quarterback Cam Ward (1) goes through drills during training camp at Vanderbilt Health Football Center Thursday, Aug. 6, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
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Inside Tennessee Titans practice on Thursday. Our best photos
Tennessee Titans linebacker James Williams Sr. (52) goes through warmups during training camp at Vanderbilt Health Football Center Thursday, Aug. 6, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
14/28
Inside Tennessee Titans practice on Thursday. Our best photos
Tennessee Titans quarterback Will Levis (8) throws during training camp at Vanderbilt Health Football Center Thursday, Aug. 6, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
15/28
Inside Tennessee Titans practice on Thursday. Our best photos
Tennessee Titans quarterback Mitchell Trubisky (10) talks with wide receiver Calvin Ridley (0) during training camp at Vanderbilt Health Football Center Thursday, Aug. 6, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
16/28
Inside Tennessee Titans practice on Thursday. Our best photos
Tennessee Titans wide receiver Wan’Dale Robinson (4) makes a catch during training camp at Vanderbilt Health Football Center Thursday, Aug. 6, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
17/28
Inside Tennessee Titans practice on Thursday. Our best photos
Tennessee Titans quarterback Hendon Hooker (16) throws during training camp at Vanderbilt Health Football Center Thursday, Aug. 6, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
18/28
Inside Tennessee Titans practice on Thursday. Our best photos
Tennessee Titans wide receiver Calvin Ridley (0) makes a catch during training camp at Vanderbilt Health Football Center Thursday, Aug. 6, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
19/28
Inside Tennessee Titans practice on Thursday. Our best photos
Tennessee Titans quarterback Mitchell Trubisky (10) throws during training camp at Vanderbilt Health Football Center Thursday, Aug. 6, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
20/28
Inside Tennessee Titans practice on Thursday. Our best photos
Tennessee Titans wide receiver Wan’Dale Robinson (4) makes a catch during training camp at Vanderbilt Health Football Center Thursday, Aug. 6, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
21/28
Inside Tennessee Titans practice on Thursday. Our best photos
Tennessee Titans quarterback Cam Ward (1) throws during training camp at Vanderbilt Health Football Center Thursday, Aug. 6, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
22/28
Inside Tennessee Titans practice on Thursday. Our best photos
Tennessee Titans wide receiver K.J. Osborn (85) stretches during training camp at Vanderbilt Health Football Center Thursday, Aug. 6, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
23/28
Inside Tennessee Titans practice on Thursday. Our best photos
Tennessee Titans quarterback Mitchell Trubisky (10) throws during training camp at Vanderbilt Health Football Center Thursday, Aug. 6, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
24/28
Inside Tennessee Titans practice on Thursday. Our best photos
Tennessee Titans owner Amy Adams Strunk talks with Coach Robert Saleh during training camp at Vanderbilt Health Football Center Thursday, Aug. 6, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
25/28
Inside Tennessee Titans practice on Thursday. Our best photos
Tennessee Titans quarterback Hendon Hooker (16) throws during training camp at Vanderbilt Health Football Center Thursday, Aug. 6, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
26/28
Inside Tennessee Titans practice on Thursday. Our best photos
Tennessee Titans tight end Gunnar Helm (84) stretches during training camp at Vanderbilt Health Football Center Thursday, Aug. 6, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
27/28
Inside Tennessee Titans practice on Thursday. Our best photos
Tennessee Titans quarterback Will Levis (8) throws during training camp at Vanderbilt Health Football Center Thursday, Aug. 6, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
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Inside Tennessee Titans practice on Thursday. Our best photos
Tennessee Titans quarterback Mitchell Trubisky talks with wide receiver Calvin Ridley (not pictured) during training camp at Vanderbilt Health Football Center Thursday, Aug. 6, 2026.
(DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN)
There was no fallout from the incident when theTitanstook the field again on Aug. 6. Simmons was back on the field practicing like his old self. No one got hurt as a result of the mix-up. Schlottmann and Simmons still chirped at each other. So too did Simmons and right tackleJC Latham; it's hard to find a rep that goes by with both of them on the field where one doesn't find a reason to jaw at the other.
Until the last red zone period of the day when tensions momentarily rose after a physical moment led to receiverElic Ayomanorexited to be evaluated for a shoulder injury, there weren't any moments that escalated to skirmish levels. After the Ayomanor incident, there were a couple quick dust-ups between offensive and defensive players ― one in particular involvedleft tackle Dan Moore Jr.― but nothing that required coaches or referees to step in or stop practice as was the case on Aug. 4.
Tempers flare at football practices. It's why coach Robert Saleh predicted there'd be more squabbles to follow after the Simmons incident. But, in Schlottmann's eyes, there's value in these moments beyond expressing some rage.
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"Personally I love it," Schlottmann said. "I love the talk, the chippiness, the competition. It's fun. It makes practice fun. It makes everyone better. You line up that next play and you want to beat that guy. You want to go out there and dominate that next rep and I think that only makes people better. There's a line, and I think we've done a good job for the most part of staying on the right side of it."
