Titans Lost Guard Carmona to Ankle Injury
The starting right guard sustained an injury during the opening drive of the team's loss to the New York Giants.
Updated on Sept. 28, 2026 in Football
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Tennessee Titans starting right guard Fernando Carmona Jr. exited the team's 12-7 loss against the New York Giants with an ankle injury. The injury occurred during the game's first offensive possession on September 27.
Why it matters
The loss of Carmona, who secured the starting right guard spot during the preseason, creates an immediate lineup vacancy for the Titans. Backup Jackson Slater, who stepped in to play the remainder of the contest, must now manage his own foot injury.
Fernando Carmona Jr. exited the field during the first offensive possession and did not return, leaving the interior offensive line to backup Jackson Slater. The Titans managed 7 points in the 12-7 loss.
The players
Fernando Carmona Jr.
He is the starting right guard for the Tennessee Titans who won his position during the preseason.
Jackson Slater
He is the backup right guard for the Tennessee Titans who stepped into the game following the injury to the starter.
Robert Saleh
He is the head coach of the Tennessee Titans responsible for providing team injury updates.
The details
Carmona was helped off the field by medical staff following the injury to his ankle early in the game. Backup Jackson Slater took over for the rest of the match, despite sustaining a foot injury during his playing time.
Timeline
September 27, 2026: Titans played Giants and injuries occurred.
September 28, 2026: Coach Robert Saleh provided injury updates.
October 4, 2026: Titans play Baltimore Ravens.
Season Trajectory
The potential loss of both Carmona and Slater significantly impacts the Titans' offensive line depth during a pivotal stretch of the season. This situation forces the team to rely on depth chart adjustments to maintain competitive balance ahead of their next matchup against the Ravens.
With both Carmona and Slater appearing on the injury report, the Titans face a critical shortage of experienced options at right guard. The team will need to rely on reserve depth to protect the interior pocket before their upcoming game.
The takeaway
Sudden injuries to key interior linemen often require teams to shift personnel rapidly to prevent disruptions in offensive output. Following these lineup updates is essential for anticipating team performance in upcoming high-stakes matchups.
What happens next
The Tennessee Titans are scheduled to play the Baltimore Ravens on October 4, 2026, where the status of the injured guards will be a primary focus.
Further reading
For more on the team's depth chart, see the Football section.
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