Titans Coach Robert Saleh Benches Cornerback Alontae Taylor for Colts Game

Tennessee Titans head coach Robert Saleh made the decision to bench cornerback Alontae Taylor for the team's Week 6 matchup against the Indianapolis Colts, a move that coincided with the Titans earning their first victory of the season by a score of 26-20.

Taylor, who signed a three-year, $58 million contract with $42 million guaranteed in March, was sidelined for reasons other than injury. He had been a consistent presence on defense for the Titans (1-5) this season, playing 99.7% of defensive snaps through the first five games and recording 19 tackles and one sack. His absence marked a significant change for the team's secondary.

In Taylor's stead, veteran free agent addition Josh Williams started at cornerback. Williams, who signed a two-year, $8 million contract in March, was returning from injured reserve. The team also elevated Isaiah Oliver from the practice squad for the game.

The Titans' secondary has struggled to generate turnovers under new head coach Robert Saleh, with the team managing only three interceptions this season. Despite this, Tennessee's pass defense ranked 14th in the NFL entering the game, allowing 217.8 passing yards per game.

Tennessee was also without starting safety Kevin Winston Jr., who was sidelined with a quad injury. The Colts, meanwhile, were hampered by injuries at wide receiver, with Alec Pierce on injured reserve and tight end Tyler Warren inactive due to a groin injury.

The victory marked Tennessee's first division win since November 2024.