NASHVILLE – Tennessee Titans general manager Jon Robinson made a plea Thursday for people to get the “life-saving” COVID-19 vaccination as his team’s virus outbreak grew to nine people, including starting quarterback Ryan Tannehill.
“We’ve had two people that I know personally that have lost loved ones over the last couple of days to COVID from symptoms and complications,” Robinson said. “And it’s a lifesaving vaccine.”
Robinson said Tannehill – who practiced Tuesday and talked to reporters afterward – tight end Geoff Swaim and linebacker Justin March-Lillard have joined four teammates already on the NFL’s COVID-19 reserve list, which is for players who either test positive for the virus or are in quarantine after close contact with an infected person. Tannehill’s addition to the list means three Tennessee starters are out as the end of the preseason approaches.
The Titans, who have won road exhibitions against the Atlanta Falcons, 23-3, and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 34-3, are scheduled to play their only home game of the preseason at 7 p.m. Eastern on Saturday against the Chicago Bears (1-1). Tennessee will host the Arizona Cardinals on Sept. 12 to kick off the regular season.
Coach Mike Vrabel revealed Thursday afternoon on a Zoom session with reporters that special teams coordinator Craig Aukerman also has been affected, missing the past two days of work, and likely won’t be available for Saturday’s game.