How Chance Campbell's injury could impact the Titans' linebacker room

Inside linebacker Chance Campbell has been the star of the preseason for the Tennessee Titans . Campbell had earned the role as the team's No. 3 inside linebacker, but a knee injury he suffered in the team's preseason finale against the New Orleans Saints has a chance to shake things up.

Campbell is a player that many fans are excited about heading into the season. The coaching staff has heaped praise upon the 2022 sixth-round pick for his play in the preseason as well as consistently performing in training camp.

Unfortunately, injuries have highjacked Campbell's NFL career up to this point. He missed his entire rookie season due to a knee injury and only played in four games in 2023 before re-injuring the same knee. After heading into the blue tent on Sunday, Campbell emerged upset, tossing his helmet aside in frustration.

Following the game, head coach Brian Callahan provided an update on Campbell, saying that there is an MRI scheduled for Monday morning, but noted that he was hopeful. Should Campbell miss time, there are a few players that will be impacted.

Cedric Gray

It's difficult to assess where Gray stands in the linebacker room simply due to the fact that nobody has seen much of him. The fourth-round rookie has been dealing with a shoulder injury he suffered in early August, which has allowed for linebackers on the bubble to compete for significant snaps in the preseason. There hasn't been a timetable given regarding Gray's return, but even when he's healthy, he will have a steep hill to climb in order to contribute early in the season.

Otis Reese

Reese, who played alongside Campbell at Ole Miss, could slide into the ILB3 spot. Reese has made plenty of noise in his own right throughout the preseason, but missed Sunday's contest with a concussion. The Titans could always look outside of the building for a veteran inside linebacker after final roster cuts, but Reese figures to be the next man up if Campbell can't go.

James Williams

The seventh-round rookie out of Miami has impressed the coaching staff in his time with the Titans. After playing safety at Miami, Williams has transitioned to the inside linebacker position well. Prior to Campbell's injury, Williams' potential has been on display and is a player worth holding onto as he continues to develop. Although he isn't pushing for starting reps, he's a guy to keep an eye on. If the Titans place Campbell or Gray on injured reserve, Williams is likely the fourth ILB on the 53-man roster.

Luke Gifford

Gifford has been primarily a special teams ace throughout his five-year career. Consistently swarming return men, he has carved out a nice role for himself in the league. With that being said, his lone NFL start at linebacker came last season with an injury-depleted defense in Tennessee. Gifford has been dealing with a concussion and will be a player on the roster bubble heading into final roster cuts. Even with Campbell's injury, Gifford is still on the outside looking in if the Titans keep four inside linebackers.

For a team with bottom-end starters at inside linebacker, the possibility of losing Campbell is reason enough to worry. Campbell's replacement could come from within, but general manager Ran Carthon has shown that he's willing to find solutions through free agency.

The 53-man roster cut deadline is on Tuesday, which will be a busy day across the league. Fingers are crossed for positive news on Campbell's knee, but the Titans find themselves in a pinch with the regular season just two weeks away.