Tennessee Titans left tackle Taylor Lewan was handed a four-game suspension by the NFL earlier in the offseason. Lewan is appealing the suspension and will make his case next Thursday, according to NFL reporter Paul Kuharsky.
Lewan is a key part of the Tennessee offense, as he reliably protects Marcus Mariota's blind side. After being drafted in the first round in 2014, the former Michigan Wolverine has been starting for the Titans on the left side of the line. He has been named to the last three Pro Bowls and is one of the best linemen in the league.
Without Lewan, the Titans could struggle in the first month of football. Throughout those weeks, they face a gauntlet of pass rushers. The offensive line will have to face Myles Garrett, Justin Houston, and Yannick Ngakoue in the first three weeks. Backup tackle Dennis Kelly has never played meaningful snaps at left tackle, and he may not be up to the task.
The situation gets even worse when you consider Mariota is injury-prone. He has never played a full season in his entire career, and starting off the season facing elite pass rushers without Lewan seems like a recipe for disaster.
Tennessee is playing in the ultra-competitive AFC South. While it may seem like the team can cope with a slow start, they can't. The other three teams in the division look capable of making the playoffs.
Lewan and the Titans are hoping he can win his appeal and at least get his suspension shortened.
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