Titans LB Cedric Gray in concussion protocol ahead of season opener after UTV crash

The Tennessee Titans may be without star linebacker Cedric Gray for the start of the season after he was involved in a UTV accident over the weekend. 

The Titans revealed on Monday that Gray had been placed in the NFL’s concussion protocol after a utility terrain vehicle crash. Gray was the driver of the UTV and sustained “minor injuries” and a concussion, though specifics of the crash are not yet known. A team source told ESPN’s Turron Davenport that there was no alcohol or reckless driving involved. 

“We look forward to Cedric returning to the field soon and in full health when he clears the NFL’s concussion protocol,” the team said, in part. 

“We look forward to Cedric returning to the field soon and in full health when he clears the NFL’s concussion protocol,” the team said, in part. 

The Titans selected Gray in the fourth round of the 2024 NFL Draft out of North Carolina. The 23-year-old led the team with 164 total tackles last season, his first as a starter. 

Gray could still be cleared in time to play in the Titans’ season-opener on Sunday if he clears concussion protocol in time. But his status for that game, considering the timing of the accident, is absolutely in doubt.

The Titans went 3-14 last season and missed the playoffs for a second straight season. They’ve since hired Robert Saleh as their next head coach. The Titans will host the New York Jets, the last team that Saleh served as the head coach for, on Sunday afternoon at Nissan Stadium.