NASHVILLE — The Tennessee Titans are showing some signs of healing up coming off their open date, even if not everyone is as close to returning as hoped.
Defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons signaled via social media he was ready to get back on the field, but the seventh-year pro didn’t practice Wednesday. The three-time Pro Bowl selection obviously is anxious to return after an injured hamstring stopped what was the best start to a season during his NFL career.
The injury occurred during the second quarter of a 31-13 home loss to the New England Patriots on Oct. 19, and it cost him the rest of that game as well as all of the past two — a 38-14 road loss to the Indianapolis Colts on Oct. 26 and a 27-20 home loss to the Los Angeles Chargers on Nov. 2.
Simmons was one of four Tennessee players who did not practice Wednesday, but that list was much shorter than it been for the Titans in recent weeks.
Wide receiver Calvin Ridley, the highest-paid player on the roster, returned to practice after missing the past three games with an injured hamstring. So did outside linebacker Arden Key, who missed four straight games with a quadriceps muscle injury. Both were limited, but they appreciated the step in the right direction.