THE Tennessee Titans are 1-6 heading into Week 9 against the New England Patriots, and part of that is because some key players have been injured on both sides of the ball.

While quarterback Will Levis has headlined the injury report in recent weeks, running back Tyjae Spears also found himself sidelined nursing a sore hamstring.

However, Titans coach Brian Callahan believes Spears could make a return this week.

“Tyjae should be ready to go this week.” Callahan said via team reporter Jim Wyatt. “I expect him to have a good chance to play.”

Getting Spears back should add another dynamic to the offense and take some pressure off running back Tony Pollard, who has 75 carries over the last four games for the Titans.

While Spears is set to return, the same can’t be said for cornerback L’Jarius Sneed, who will likely be out for a third straight game this week against the Patriots.

“He’s probably still week to week,” Callahan said via Wyatt. “We’ll see as the week goes on. Hopefully it gets closer.”

Sneed’s elimination was a double whammy as Chidobe Awuzie was also placed on injured reserve with a groin injury.

The absences of Sneed and Awuzie were noted while Titans have allowed 86 points in the last two weeks combined while both were out.

There is a chance Sneed recovers to play on Sunday, but that doesn’t seem likely at this point.

With Sneed possibly returning, look for fifth-round rookie Jarvis Brownlee Jr., Roger McCreary and Darrell Baker Jr. to take his place.

THE Titans will continue to update their statuses throughout the week leading up to the game against the Patriots.

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