Titans Linebacker Luke Gifford Exits Preseason Opener with Concussion

Tennessee Titans linebacker Luke Gifford made his 2024 debut for the team, but it likely will be cut short tonight. According to team reporter Jim Wyatt, Gifford is being evaluated for a concussion close to the end of the first quarter between the Titans and San Francisco 49ers.

Gifford appeared to be hurt on the kickoff of the game when he made a tackle on 49ers kick returner Trent Taylor. Gifford, who turns 29 later this month, is entering his second season with the Titans. Last year with Tennessee, Gifford had 11 appearances making one start. He had six tackles this season, playing most of his time on special teams for the Titans.

Before he joined the Titans, Gifford played four seasons with the Dallas Cowboys after going undrafted out of Nebraska in 2019. Gifford is listed on the third string of the Titans unofficial depth chart at inside linebacker. However, after losing teammate Garret Wallow for the season after tearing his pectoral muscle, Gifford could be competing for more playing time at linebacker instead of special teams.

Impact of Gifford's Injury on Titans

Despite losing Gifford to injury on the opening kickoff, things have gone pretty smoothly for the Titans in the first quarter of their preseason opener. After surrendering a touchdown on the opening drive to 49ers running back Jordan Mason, the Titans responded with a scoring drive of their own when quarterback Will Levis found the end zone on a 1-yard touchdown run. Levis was given a short field after kick returner Kearis Jackson pulled off a 63-yard return to get the Titans into the red zone before the offense entered the field.

Levis then engineered a more impressive drive with 64 yards on seven plays, and it ended with a 4-yard rushing score from Tyjae Spears. The Titans hold a 14-7 lead early in the second quarter.

Gifford's Concussion Protocol

Gifford exited Saturday night's preseason game against the 49ers with a head injury and is in concussion protocol, Turron Davenport of ESPN.com reports. Gifford made a tackle on the exhibition's opening kickoff. The special teams specialist will now need to advance through the league's protocol before being allowed back on the field. Turning 29 later this month, Gifford is entering his second season in Tennessee after spending the first four years of his career in Dallas.

What's Next for Gifford?

Gifford's concussion is a significant setback for a player who was looking to make a bigger impact on the Titans this season. With Wallow out for the year, Gifford was in line to compete for more playing time at linebacker. Now, he will have to focus on his recovery and hope to return to the field as soon as possible. The Titans will be monitoring Gifford's progress closely and will provide updates as they become available.

The Titans are a team that needs all the help they can get as they look to improve on last year's 7-10 record. The loss of Gifford, even for a short period of time, is a blow to the team's depth at linebacker. The Titans will be hoping that Gifford's concussion is not serious and that he will be able to return to the field soon.

What This Means for the Titans

With Gifford now in concussion protocol, the Titans will have to look to other players to fill his role on special teams. The team's special teams unit has been a strength in recent years, and losing Gifford will be a setback. The Titans will be hoping that their special teams unit will be able to continue to perform well even without Gifford.

The Titans will also need to evaluate their depth at linebacker. With Gifford and Wallow both injured, the Titans will need to look to other players on the roster to step up. The Titans will be hoping that they have enough depth at linebacker to be able to weather the storm until Gifford is able to return to the field.

The Titans will be hoping for a speedy recovery for Gifford. The team will need him to be at his best if they want to make a run at the playoffs in 2024.

Titans On The Rise?

The Titans are hoping to improve on their 7-10 record from last season, and the loss of Gifford will certainly be a setback, but the Titans have a strong team and will be hoping to make a run at the playoffs. We will have to wait and see if the Titans can maintain their momentum and make a push for the playoffs.