QB Ryan Tannehill among nine Tennessee Titans positive for COVID-19, sources say

Quarterback Ryan Tannehill is among nine Tennessee Titans players and coaches who have tested positive for COVID-19, sources told ESPN’s Adam Schefter on Thursday.

The Titans previously announced that seven players, including Tannehill, were placed on the reserve / COVID-19 list this week and that coach Mike Vrabel tested positive for coronavirus on Sunday.

Tannehill, who is vaccinated, will miss five to 10 days depending on how quickly he can produce two negative tests in a 48 hour period. The Titans host the Arizona Cardinals in week one on September 12.

Close end Geoff Swaim and linebacker Justin March-Lillard were placed on the reserve list on Thursday with Tannehill. Other Titans players on the reserve list are defensive tackle Anthony Rush, running back Jeremy McNichols and linebackers Nick Dzubnar and Harold Landry.

Vrabel, who said Thursday he was feeling fine but had not tested negative for COVID-19, told reporters special teams coach Craig Aukerman is on COVID-19 protocol. Aukerman missed practice Wednesday and Thursday and will not be available for Saturday’s preseason game against the Chicago Bears.

Earlier Thursday, general manager Jon Robinson said Tannehill “was feeling good”.

“He will attend the meetings. He will be ready to go,” said Robinson. “He’s a pro and he’s been in the league for a long time. We have the greatest confidence in him and his ability to prepare.”

Tannehill said he was “getting the shot” when training camp started. He said at the time that he would not have received the vaccine but that the NFL was “forcing players’ hands” by instituting protocols.

The Titans were in Tampa, Fla. Last week for joint practice with the Buccaneers. Former Titans kicker Ryan Succop, who is now a member of the Buccaneers, tested positive for COVID-19 and was added to the reserve list on Monday. Succop went to dinner with three Titans players when they were in Tampa. None of the Titans players at the dinner tested positive.

“We followed the protocols,” said Robinson, who noted that the Titans are about 97% or 98% vaccinated. “Our medical team has done an amazing job talking to the league and the players, the coaches.”