With teammates surrounding him, Simmons did some up-downs, a welcome back of sorts, after being away.
Titans defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson started that tradition last year, and Simmons knew he had to keep it going.
"Of course I haven't been here," Simmons said with a smile. "It took me a minute to catch my wind. I was like, I'm in shape, but (expletive), those up-downs, they hurt."
When practice started, Simmons looked good running to the ball.
He also exchanged words with rookie quarterback Cam Ward with what looked like playful banter.
"It was predetermined," Simmons said, smiling bigger. "I've been hearing how much smack he talks … and I saw him this past weekend and was like: I'm going to be talking smack to you, too. It's fun. … We went back and forth talking smack to each other and he was able to get back in the huddle and throw the ball down the field. That was the most impressive thing, not talking smack to me, but being able to get back in the huddle, get the plays to the guys, and still be able to operate the offense."