Tennessee Titans report: Johnson heats up; Mausi returns
On Thursday, Oct. 22, 2026, the Tennessee Titans returned to the practice field at Vanderbilt Health Football Center as they prepared for Sundays game at the Cleveland Browns. The report was published Oct. 22, 2026. Defensive end Jermaine Johnson II continued his recent surge, and linebacker Dorian Mausi resumed practicing after a stretch on injured reserve. Coaches also highlighted defensive tackle Nazir Stackhouse as a player who could see expanded snaps.
Johnson, acquired in a trade with the New York Jets during the offseason, recorded a pair of sacks in Sundays win over the Indianapolis Colts and tied for the team lead with seven quarterback pressures in that game. He produced three quarterback pressures and two tackles for loss a week earlier against the Baltimore Ravens. In six games this season Johnson has totaled 16 tackles, three sacks and 14 quarterback pressures. Johnson said he is focused on consistency and avoiding complacency as the Titans move forward.
The Titans placed Dorian Mausi on the designated to return to practice list, opening a three-week window for him to practice with the team while he remains on injured reserve. Mausi practiced again on Thursday as he works toward activation. He will not count against Tennessees 53-man roster until the club officially activates him from injured reserve. The coaching staff will monitor his progress through the practice window before making a determination about his availability for Sundays game.
Defensive coordinator Gus Bradley complimented Nazir Stackhouse on Thursday, and the Titans indicated Stackhouse could receive more work following the departure of Jordan Elliott. Stackhouse spoke with reporters about his role and mindset on the defensive line during practice. Thursdays injury-report updates included safety Tony Adams (ankle) practicing on a limited basis and defensive lineman John Franklin-Myers (NIR-Rest) returning to practice in full. Receiver Calvin Ridley (hip) did not practice, running back Tyjae Spears (NIR-Rest) returned to practice in full, safety Kevin Winston (quad) practiced on a limited basis and running back Tony Pollard (NIR-Rest) did not practice.
NFL Sports Blog Take
Jermaine Johnsons back-to-back pressure performances give the Tennessee Titans a clear boost to their pass rush and create a dependable option on clear passing downs. Dorian Mausis return to practice restores depth at linebacker and provides the coaching staff another candidate to evaluate for activation. Nazir Stackhouse appears poised to absorb added snaps inside with Jordan Elliott no longer on the roster, which could help preserve continuity on the defensive front. The limited and non-participation designations for players such as Calvin Ridley and Tony Pollard will factor into the Titans offensive game-planning for Sundays trip to Cleveland.