The Tennessee Titans stocked up on linebackers in free agency, importing Shaun Phillips and Wesley Woodyard, while restructuring Kamerion Wimbley's contract.
One of the reasons for that depth?
Akeem Ayers revealed Monday that he underwent offseason surgeries to repair the patella tendon in both knees.
"It started with my right knee and then when I injured the right knee," Ayers explained, via the Tennessean, "I started compensating for it a lot and eventually damaged the left knee."
Ayers said he played through the injury last season. He underwent surgery on the right knee in January and then on the left knee six weeks later.
Although he was hardly a liability, his numbers and playmaking ability took a hit with only one sack and a career-low in tackles (56).
The Titans are taking a day-to-day approach to Ayers' return in offseason practices. He's looking forward to being healthy in training camp, but that's no guarantee.
This could be a make-or-break year for Ayers' career.
The Titans had major expectations for him in Jerry Gray's 4-3 defense entering last season. It remains to be seen how his skill set will translate as an edge rusher in Ray Horton's 3-4 scheme.
The latest "Around The League Podcast"Â breaks down the news and examines developments from the first week of OTAs.
