Titans-Jaguars NFL Week 16 Thursday Game Preview

The NFL begins Week 16 on Thursday night with one of its least desirable matchups of the year, as the Tennessee Titans (2-12) visit the Jacksonville Jaguars (2-12) at EverBank Field in Jacksonville.

Despite their abysmal records, this clash of hapless teams at least figures to be competitive, as six of the past seven meetings between the Titans and Jaguars have been decided by seven points or fewer.

Tennessee aims to rebound following a 16-11 loss to the New York Jets last week.

“Our team is a resilient group, and we’ll be ready to go,” said Titans head coach Ken Whisenhunt.  “This is a chance to play on Thursday Night Football. I think anytime you’re playing in a game like that, you get energized. That’s actually a good thing, even though it’s a short week. We’ll work, and try to put our best effort out there.”

Tight end Delanie Walker had four receptions for 93 yards, bringing his season total to 793 receiving yards, surpassing Frank Wycheck (768 in 1998) for the most receiving yards in a season by a tight end in franchise history. Walker ranks second among AFC tight ends this season in receiving yards, and with seven yards this week, would have his first-career 800-yard season.

Tennessee wide receiver Nate Washington had a game-high 102 receiving yards on six catches (17.0 average yards per catch) against the Jets. Washington (16.6) ranks fifth in the AFC in average yards per catch this season.

Meanwhile, Jacksonville enters Thursday night's cellar clash following a 20-12 loss at Baltimore.

“It wasn’t enough last week, so we go back to work,” said Jaguars head coach Gus Bradley.  “We have a short week with Thursday Night Football against Tennessee and we are going to challenge this team once again. We’ve been fighting and now the guys need to answer the call.”

Rookie quarterback Blake Bortles (Round 1, No. 3 overall) passed for 210 yards against Baltimore. His 2,676 passing yards rank second among rookies this season. With another 144 passing yards, Bortles would surpass Byron Leftwich (2,819 in 2003) for the most passing yards by a rookie in franchise history.

On defense, Jacksonville is tied for third in the AFC with 38 sacks. Defensive tackle Sen'Derrick Marks leads the team and ranks second among AFC defensive tackles with a career-high 7.5 sacks this season.

WEEK 16 INJURY REPORT – TENNESSEE at JACKSONVILLE

Tennessee Titans

DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE

Monday
TE Brett Brackett (knee), T Taylor Lewan (ankle), QB Jake Locker (left shoulder), RB Dexter McCluster (knee), QB Zach Mettenberger (right shoulder)

Tuesday
TE Brett Brackett (knee), T Taylor Lewan (ankle), RB Dexter McCluster (knee), QB Zach Mettenberger (right shoulder)


LIMITED PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE

Monday
LB Zaviar Gooden (hamstring), T Byron Stingily (ankle), TE Delanie Walker (knee), LB Kamerion Wimbley (hamstring), WR Kendall Wright (hand)

Tuesday
LB Zaviar Gooden (hamstring), T Byron Stingily (ankle), TE Delanie Walker (knee), LB Kamerion Wimbley (hamstring), WR Kendall Wright (hand)


FULL PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE

Monday
S Daimion Stafford (concussion)

Tuesday
S Daimion Stafford (concussion)


Jacksonville Jaguars

DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE

Monday
QB Blake Bortles (foot), DE Andre Branch (groin), DE Ryan Davis (hip), S Josh Evans (foot), LB Khairi Fortt (hamstring), DT Roy Miller (knee), WR Tommy Streeter (abdomen)

Tuesday
DE Andre Branch (groin), LB Khairi Fortt (hamstring), DT Roy Miller (knee)


LIMITED PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE

Tuesday
QB Blake Bortles (foot), DE Ryan Davis (hip), S Josh Evans (foot), WR Tommy Streeter (abdomen)


FULL PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE

Monday
DE Chris Clemons (knee), WR Marqise Lee (elbow)

Tuesday
DE Chris Clemons (knee), WR Marqise Lee (elbow)


By Staff of TheDailySportsHerald.com and news services