NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- The Titans lost the most versatile piece of their rebuilding offensive line on the first day of organized team activities Tuesday.
Offensive tackle Byron Bell likely will miss the 2016 season after suffering a dislocated left ankle, Titans coach Mike Mularkey said. The injury was bad enough to leave little wiggle room in the prognosis for Bell.
"I know it's dislocated," Mularkey said. "I don't know all the medical terms. He'll be out for this season."
Bell was set to compete for a starting position even though the Titans used two first-round picks on offensive tackles in the last three drafts.
Lost a soldier and leader 1st day of OTAs prayin for u big dawg. Young fellas don't ever take this game for granted. https://t.co/YN2DqN5t3w
— Brian Orakpo (@rak98) May 24, 2016
His value was most apparent in his versatility. The sixth-year pro, who signed with the Titans as a free agent last year, started the first seven games of 2015 at left guard, the next eight at right tackle and the final game at left tackle.
"The loss is greater than you think because he can play inside and outside and on both sides," Mularkey said. "He was coming here to compete for a job, and there was no question about that when he came into the building."
Bell sustained the gruesome injury in the final minutes of team drills.
"'Bear' has really had a great offseason," Mularkey said. "He's worked hard. That's the first thing he said, that he's worked too hard for it to end like this. Those are the kind of injuries that we are going to have in this game. ... We're going to miss him."
The Titans have the two first-round picks at tackle but will need to restock depth. Second-year lineman Jeremiah Poutasi started the first seven games at right tackle last season before giving way to Bell and being moved to guard. Bell's injury also opens the door for Quinton Spain and rookie Sebastian Tretola at guard.
"It's going to be one of those next-man-up situations," Mularkey said. "Somebody's going to get an opportunity now who may not have got one before."