Titans Sign Veteran LB Luke Gifford to Active Roster, Replace Injured CB Chidobe Awuzie
In a strategic move to address the team’s defensive needs, Tennessee Titans head coach Brian Callahan announced that the team plans to sign linebacker Luke Gifford to the active roster. Gifford, who has had an up-and-down journey in the NFL, will fill the roster spot vacated by cornerback Chidobe Awuzie, who is set to be placed on injured reserve due to a groin injury【6†source】【7†source】.
Gifford’s NFL Journey
Gifford, 29, originally went undrafted out of Nebraska but secured a spot in the NFL when he signed a three-year, $1.755 million contract with the Dallas Cowboys. Known for his versatility, Gifford made an immediate impact on special teams and was able to stick around in the league despite injuries disrupting his career. He fractured his arm in 2019, landing on injured reserve while with the Cowboys, and missed significant time. When Dallas declined to tender him as a restricted free agent, Gifford moved on and signed a two-year contract with the Titans【6†source】.
Titans Tenure and Special Teams Contribution
Since joining Tennessee, Gifford has been primarily a special teams asset. In 2023, he appeared in 11 games, making one start, and recorded six total tackles. Unfortunately, his 2023 season was also interrupted when he was placed on injured reserve due to a hamstring injury【7†source】.
Now fully recovered, Gifford steps into a bigger role with the Titans, who are looking to turn around their 0-3 start to the season. His addition to the active roster will be crucial, especially as the Titans are losing a key defensive piece in Awuzie.
Replacing Awuzie
Chidobe Awuzie was a major offseason acquisition for Tennessee, signing a three-year, $36 million deal after a solid stint with the Cincinnati Bengals. However, Awuzie has been plagued by injury concerns throughout his career, and his groin issue has sidelined him just three games into the season【6†source】.
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Awuzie’s absence is a blow to Tennessee’s secondary, but Gifford’s versatility and experience could help stabilize the defense in other areas. Although Gifford’s main contributions have been on special teams, his presence will allow the Titans to explore different defensive packages while they adjust to the loss of their starting cornerback.
Future Outlook
The Titans are hoping that Gifford’s experience and perseverance through injuries will bring much-needed depth and energy to their defense. While he may not be a direct positional replacement for Awuzie, his skill set will allow Tennessee to continue adapting as they search for their first win of the season. Gifford’s signing emphasizes the Titans’ focus on strengthening their depth amid ongoing injuries and challenges.
The Titans, looking to rebound from a tough start, will rely on Gifford’s versatility and grit as they head into the upcoming weeks without Awuzie.
