The Tennessee Titans took a chance when they drafted former Mississippi State defensive lineman Jeffery Simmons.

Not only did Simmons have some questionable character concerns – which were later dismissed by most – but he is also still very much in the recovery process of a torn ACL sustained in February.

Based on one of Simmons’ recent Instagram posts, his rehabilitation is coming along nicely.

Simmons tore his ACL in February while preparing for the draft and has been adamant that he would not rush his recovery, even if it meant the difference between playing during his rookie season or not.

In June, Simmons said he was focused on working in the weight room and watching film because he had not been cleared to run yet. That clearance obviously came at some point in the last few weeks, though, and it is great to see for a young player trying to work his way back.

There is a very big difference between running in a straight line and being cleared for football.

While this step in no way means Simmons will actually play in 2019, it is a sign that things are on schedule, and perhaps even slightly ahead. For now, though, a December return still looks like a best-case scenario if we’re going to be cautiously optimistic. Anything before that is a huge bonus for both Simmons and the team.

Simmons totaled seven sacks and 30 tackles for loss in his last two seasons at Mississippi State. He was slated to be a top-10 pick the injury. Eventually, the Titans will find out just how much of a steal it got with the No. 19 overall selection.