COVID-19 case detected at Titans' training facility; temporarily shut down for precautions
The Tennessee Titans' upcoming game against the Buffalo Bills is in doubt, as the team continues to grapple with a COVID-19 outbreak. The Titans have been away from their team facility for over a week, and their COVID-19 count since September 24 stands at 23, with 13 players and 10 team personnel testing positive.
According to reports from ESPN, the Titans facility will remain closed on Thursday, and it is likely that the team will be looking at another week off, as they were scheduled to return from their forced bye week to face Buffalo on Sunday. The NFL Network also confirmed that the game against the Buffalo Bills is in serious doubt due to the ongoing COVID-19 situation within the team.
The Titans' game against the Pittsburgh Steelers was previously postponed, and the team's game against the Buffalo Bills is the latest in a string of scheduling disruptions caused by the pandemic. The NFL is reportedly discussing a potential change in the playoff qualification criteria, favouring winning percentage over total wins, if teams end up playing less than the scheduled 16-game regular-season due to COVID-19 related issues.
Despite the ongoing COVID-19 situation, there is no direct indication that the Titans are currently being impacted by the new "Razor blade throat" COVID strain, which is now dominant and causing US cases to climb. As of mid-August 2025, the Titans have not reported any new COVID-19 cases for at least two consecutive days, with no new COVID cases for the first time in a week as of late July 2025.
Team activities such as preseason games have been ongoing, with players like quarterback Cameron Ward participating and showing solid performance recently. The Titans appear to be preparing normally for upcoming games without COVID-related interruptions.
As the NFL season progresses, it remains to be seen how the Titans' COVID-19 situation will affect their schedule and their chances of making the playoffs. Vigilance remains important given the circulation of new COVID variants nationally.
- The medical-conditions surrounding the Titans' COVID-19 outbreak have extended beyond their scheduled game against the Buffalo Bills, potentially impacting the team's health-and-wellness and their season's success in American football.
- As the NFL adjusts its playoff qualification criteria due to the ongoing pandemic, the Titans' continued struggle with COVID-19 could provide a unique example of how the changes might affect teams' standings, given their reduced number of games played.
- while the Titans have effectively navigated the virus within their organization, their focus on science and staying informed about medical-conditions like the new "Razor blade throat" strain will be crucial in preventing future outbreaks and maintaining a strong performance in sports, such as NFL, and football games.
