The Tennessee Titans were dealt a major blow when it was announced that Pro Bowl left tackle Taylor Lewan would face a four-game suspension for violating the league’s performance-enhancing drug policy.
Per league rules, Lewan will be unpaid over the period of the suspension.
Because the infraction occurred during the offseason, Lewan will still be allowed to participate in preseason activities. The suspension will be imposed when the Titans trim down to a 53-man roster.
Here’s a look at the four games the Titans will play without Lewan in 2019.
Week 1: at Cleveland Browns
The Browns have what it takes to open 2019 as a totally new-and-improved team, and that just got easier for them as the Titans lose a star player like Lewan.
Tennessee has won three of its last five matchups against Cleveland, with the latest being a 12-9 overtime win at FirstEnergy Stadium on October 22, 2017.
Week 2: vs. Indianapolis Colts
The Titans have never defeated the Colts with Andrew Luck under center, and that task just became even more difficult. Obviously, Lewan is an offensive player and therefore has never been a part of defending directly against the Indianapolis signal-caller.
But he has been a major part of protecting quarterback Marcus Mariota and helping keep the offense on the field to score points — both things that will be important in ending what is sure to be a gritty divisional battle with a victory.
Week 3: at Jacksonville Jaguars
The Titans were dominantly triumphant in their last meeting with the Jaguars, recording a 30-9 victory in which running back Derrick Henry had his historical 99-yard touchdown run.
The run game is expected to continue to be a huge factor in the Titans’ offense in 2019, but it could see a few more bumps in the road than previously anticipated with arguably the most important member of the offensive line out of action.
Week 4: at Atlanta Falcons
The Titans haven’t faced the Falcons in regular season action since October 25, 2015, when Atlanta won, 10-7.
Tennessee hasn’t won a game against Atlanta since October 7, 2007 when it achieved a 20013 victory in Nissan Stadium.
Repeating that type of success will be a taller order with such a large void to be filled on the left side of the offensive line.
