Tennessee Titans injuries piling up ahead of Patriots game

The Tennessee Titans are preparing for their Week 9 game against the New England Patriots, but there are still a few players on the sidelines with just a few days left until kickoff.

Nine Titans players missed Thursday's practice, putting their status for Sunday's game against the Patriots in doubt.

The two top running backs Tony Pollard (foot) and Tyjae Spears (hamstring injury) were not at practice. Pollard didn't practice all week, while Spears participated in a limited capacity on Wednesday. With both players out, look for third-string running back Julius Chestnut to pull the starting line and get a lot of work against the Pats.

The Titans are also missing wide receiver Tyler Boyd, who missed practice with a shoulder injury. Should Boyd miss the Week 9 matchup, Nick Westbrook-Ikhine should expect to get more appearances. With DeAndre Hopkins off and Treylon Burks on injured reserve, Calvin Ridley will also see plenty of targets.

The team also has some injuries on the offensive line, particularly at right guard. Starter Dillon Radunz (foot) and reserve Andrew Rupcich (triceps) are both out. That could mean that someone like Daniel Brunskill could take his old spot on offense or that the team could call on practice squad member Arlington Hambright.

The defense is also suffering from injury, as cornerback L'Jarius Sneed (quad), rookie nose tackle T'Vondre Sweat (hip), cornerback Tre Avery (hamstring) and safety Amani Hooker (groin) are all out for practice.

There's a chance some of these players could return and ultimately take part in this weekend's game, but knocking out so many people will be a real test of the Titans' strength to see if they can withstand the upcoming clash.

Kickoff between the Patriots and Titans is scheduled for Sunday at 12 p.m. CT.

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