Tennessee earned its first win of the season in Indianapolis and did so without cornerback Alontae Taylor.

The offseason addition was on the sideline for Sunday’s 26-20 win over the Colts (2-4) due to a coach’s decision and not an injury.

Taylor has been critical for the Titans’ defense, playing 99.7% of defensive snaps in the Titans’ first five games of the season. He signed a three-year, $58 million contract ($42 million guaranteed) in March and has 19 tackles and one sack on the year.

The Titans (1-5) focused on upgradingtheirs secondary by adding Taylor and signing free agent cornerback Cor’Dale Flott to a three-year, $45 million deal. 

Veteran free agent addition Josh Williams, who signed a two-year, $8 million contract in March, started in Taylor’s place, returning from injured reserve Saturday. Cornerback Isaiah Oliver was given the game-day elevation from the practice squad.

Tennessee’s secondary hasn’t been productive under new head coach Robert Saleh. The Titans so far only have three interceptions this season. Despite the low takeaways, Tennessee ranked 14th in passing yards allowed per game in the NFL (217.8) coming into the game.

The Titans were also without starting safety Kevin Winston Jr. due to a quad injury against the Colts.

Tennessee may be evenly matched against a Colts squad that has been bombarded with injuries at wide receiver.

The Colts will still be without recently extended Alec Pierce, who’s on the injury reserve with a left heel injury, and second-year tight end Tyler Warren is inactive with a groin injury. 

The Titans earned their first division win since November 2024 with a victory on Sunday.