Just as a lot of things are falling in place for the Tennessee Titans, news that offensive lineman Byron Bell will miss the entire 2016 season due to a dislocated ankle broke on Tuesday, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
Bell was injured on the very first day of Titans’ organized team activities (OTAs). Quarterback Marcus Mariota spoke to the press after losing Bell for the season and stated that he “is in their thoughts and prayers.”
Bell’s loss presents a major blow to the Titans offensive line that was already challenged last year in protecting Mariota in the pocket. In his rookie season, Mariota endured a ridiculous 38 sacks in the 12 games for which he played.
Bell started in all 16 games in his first year with Tennessee in 2015, lining up as both tackle and guard. He signed a one-year deal in March to remain with the Titans.
Fortunately, the Titans selected rookie tackle, Jack Conklin out of Michigan State in the first round of the 2016 draft. Though after losing Bell, the Titans will need to shift gears to focus on a replacement for him in the rotation.