Byron Bell Injury: Updates on Titans Tackle's Ankle and Recovery

Tennessee Titans offensive tackle Byron Bell had to be carted off the field during the team's first organized team activity, per Jim Wyatt of TitansOnline.com, and head coach Mike Mularkey confirmed Tuesday that Bell dislocated his left ankle, according to John Glennon of the Tennessean.

Continue for updates.

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Bell Expected to Miss the 2016 Season

Tuesday, May 24

The Titans confirmed Tuesday that tackle Byron Bell will likely miss the 2016 season with a left ankle injury.

"He's a good football player," Mularkey said, per the team. "We're going to miss him."

Indeed, Bell's loss will cost the team a potential starter, per Wyatt:

Nathan Jahnke of Pro Football Focus projected what the team's starting lineup might look like in the wake of Bell's injury:

Indeed, Taylor Lewan and Jack Conklin appear to be the future at each tackle position for the Titans, though if either player struggled, Bell would have been a very nice safety net. He also would have given the team versatility, as he played both guard and tackle last season.

Certainly, the move hurts the team's depth along the line. Quinton Spain, who started six games for the Titans last year, will now be the front-runner to slide into the left guard position opposite Chance Warmack. Ben Jones was signed this offseason to upgrade the center position, leaving Lewan and Conklin to fill out the starting line at offensive tackle.

Jeremiah Poutasi and rookie Sebastian Tretola will also compete for starting positions at guard.

Still, the Titans upgraded the line this offseason in an effort to protect young franchise quarterback Marcus Mariota and pave the way forward for running backs DeMarco Murray and Derrick Henry. The loss of Bell is a hit to the team's depth, but the offensive line nonetheless has the potential to be a strength for the team this year.

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