Titans practice Ward, Simmons clash after red-zone Ridley TD

The Tennessee Titans faced an unusually tense moment at practice Monday when rookie quarterback Cam Ward and veteran defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons squared off after a red-zone touchdown pass to Calvin Ridley. Ward celebrated in front of Simmons with his signature Zombieland gesture, prompting a two-handed shove from Simmons that sent helmets flying and triggered a shoving match before teammates and coaches intervened. The incident ended with the defense and offense separating, but it left a stark imprint on a camp that has already featured intense, high-stakes competition as Ward acclimates to the NFL.

The sequence began after Ward connected with Ridley for a touchdown in a red-zone drill and prepared to celebrate. Ward paused and taunted Simmons, who is known for his own big-play moments and leadership on the defensive line. Simmons responded with a shove to Ward’s facemask, and the ensuing fracas drew in the Titans’ offensive and defensive units. Ward did not appear hurt, returning to the next play, while Simmons left the field after losing his helmet. The Titans’ head coach responded with a stark reminder of boundaries, signaling that discipline would be communal.