Titans inside linebacker Rashaan Evans was ejected in the first quarter of Tennessee's game against the Denver Broncos on Monday.
Evans received a disqualification for punching Denver tight end Jake Butt in the head after a play. The third-year linebacker is one of the Titans' defenders who wears the green dot and calls plays in the huddle.
The loss of Evans was a big blow to the Titans' defense. Evans led the team with 139 tackles last season. He also had 11 tackles for loss.
The host Broncos scored a touchdown two plays after his ejection, when quarterback Drew Lock found tight end Noah Fant for a 9-yard touchdown.
Tennessee was already thin at linebacker with Vic Beasley Jr. and Derick Roberson both out with knee injuries.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
