NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Tennessee Titans defensive lineman Jeffery Simmons revealed he suffered a Tommy John ligament injury to his left elbow, causing him to miss the Titans’ 31-12 victory over the Miami Dolphins on Monday night.
“I had torn my ligament,” Simmons explained. “I’m sure everybody’s heard of Tommy John surgery with baseball players. I had that injury, but I’m good now.”
Fortunately, Simmons was advised that surgery was unnecessary. Instead, he wore a large brace on his left arm last week. Despite missing practices on Thursday and Friday, he traveled with the team to Miami for the game. On Friday, Simmons informed the Titans’ medical staff that he felt capable of playing. However, the team decided to keep him out of practice and the game to prevent further risk, given the limitations in his arm’s extension.
The timing of the Titans’ bye week is ideal for Simmons as he continues his recovery and regains full extension in his arm. He has been working closely with the team’s training staff and has engaged in significant strengthening exercises. Simmons aims to return in Week 6 when the Titans host the Colts at Nissan Stadium.
“I feel much better right now, much better today,” Simmons said. “This bye week will help me keep my conditioning up and continue working on my elbow. I know I’ll be ready to roll against the Colts.”
In the first three games of the season, Simmons recorded 12 tackles, including two for a loss, along with a sack and a quarterback hit. He mentioned that the injury resulted from “friendly fire” when he accidentally collided with a teammate.
As Simmons focuses on his recovery, the Titans are hopeful that he will be ready to make a strong return in their upcoming game against the Colts.
