Titans back to work needing 1 win to clinch AFC South title

Updated Dec. 27, 2021 7:02 p.m. ET

Associated Press

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — The Tennessee Titans are back at work rested from a weekend off with the math for their second straight AFC South title very simple.

Beat the Miami Dolphins on Sunday and avoid going to Houston for the regular-season finale needing to beat the Texans for a

“I would say it is pretty much the same scenario as we have always tried to talk about around here and just focusing on this week,” Titans coach Mike Vrabel said. “Focusing on how we can improve. Use these couple of extra days to get healthy and do a little bit of work today, to condition and work out and to meet.”

The Titans (10-5) had some mixed results Monday with the

They activated starting left guard Rodger Saffold and rookie defensive back Elijah Molden from the reserve-COVID-19 list.

They also placed three starters and four players overall on the reserve list: outside linebacker Bud Dupree, wide receivers Julio Jones and Nick Westbrook-Ikhine and defensive back Buster Skrine. Cornerback Caleb Farley, who's on injured reserve, also was placed on the COVID-19 reserve list.

Left tackle Taylor Lewan, right guard Nate Davis and reserve lineman Kendall Lamm all remain on the list.

“We are dealing with it like everybody else is,” Vrabel said. “Trying to do what is best for the player and make sure their health and safety is monitored and taken care of, and their family’s health and safety are taken care of. I would say that we are hopeful to get some of those guys back.”

The Titans have won two of three since their bye and now hope to benefit from the mini-break following their

A team that has used

Brown came through with 145 yards on a career-high 11 catches in a much-needed win with Tennessee's margin in the AFC South decreasing over Indianapolis (9-6).

Currently, six of the 13 Titans on injured reserve are eligible to return. That includes Derrick Henry, the NFL's rushing leader the past two seasons who was leading the league in that category when

That's not stopping others from hoping and speculating what might happen as the Titans hope they can prepare for the postseason.

“As soon as we get everybody back healthy, get the King (Henry) back, we do what we do,” Brown said after their win over the Niners.

___

Follow Teresa M. Walker at https://twitter.com/TeresaMWalker

___

More AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl and https://apnews.com/hub/pro-32 and https://twitter.com/AP_NFL