Tennessee Titans 'continue forward' with Todd Downing after DUI arrest, Mike Vrabel says

Tennessee Titans coach Mike Vrabel said the Titans will prepare this week as if offensive coordinator Todd Downing will be available for this week's game, although they understand that might not be the case.

"We'll continue forward with how things work with Todd as our offensive coordinator, but those things can change," Vrabel said Tuesday. "I want to make sure everybody understands that. At any point in time we can hear from the league. The legal process, those things can obviously change. I want to make sure everybody understands that."

The Titans are waiting to hear from the NFL about Downing's status. Downing was arrested last week on suspicion of driving under the influence after arriving in Nashville following a Thursday night game at Green Bay. Hours later, Vrabel said the Titans were waiting to gather more information and hear from the NFL before determining a suspension or punishment for Downing.

The Titans (7-3) host the Cincinnati Bengals (6-4) at Nissan Stadium on Sunday (noon, CBS).

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When asked Tuesday why the team isn't taking steps to make decisions about Downing instead of waiting on the league, Vrabel said that's not the best choice in his experience.

"I think in my experience, the organization's experience, we'll just wait for everything to play out. Obviously if the decisions that we make require us to be held accountable, we'll absolutely do that."

Vrabel did not reveal what the backup plan would be if Downing can't fulfill his role as offensive coordinator.

The Titans hired Downing as tight ends coach prior to the 2019 season, a role he served for two seasons. Downing was promoted to offensive coordinator before the 2021 season, taking over for former coordinator Arthur Smith, who left Tennessee to be the coach of the Atlanta Falcons. Since Downing took over for Smith, the Titans' offense has regressed, falling from No. 4 in the NFL in yards per play in 2019 and 2020 to No. 22 last season and No. 21 this season.

Contact Nick Suss at nsuss@gannett.com. Follow Nick on Twitter @nicksuss.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Tennessee Titans: Todd Downing update from coach Mike Vrabel