One of the battles on the Tennessee Titans offensive line was solved in a way the club didn't want it to be
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Eugene Amano, who suffered a torn triceps injury on Thursday night, will require surgery next week and is out for the season. Amano had been in a battle to retain his job with Kevin Matthews, who has been out himself with a concussion.
That means that Fernando Velasco, who had been in the right guard mix, is now the first-team center and will try to stave off Matthews, who should be back next week.
It also means that Leroy Harris will be locked in as the starting right guard, after playing left guard the past two seasons.
To help with numbers, the Titans signed former Oakland Raiders and Carolina Panthers center/guard Chris Morris, who was out of the league last year.
“Fernando has taken reps the last couple of days, and we've talked about him going in this second week anyway and it worked out that way,” Titans coach Mike Munchak said. “We're confident in him. Kevin Matthews will probably be back on Wednesday.
“They're guys I have confidence in. Fernando has started a few games for us at center, and Kevin has started one. That's who we'll be working with now.”
Velasco says he is ready now that his opportunity is here.
“Being a backup guy, I always prepared like I was a starter anyway. I hate it for Eugene, but it's time for me to step up,” he said Friday before the announcement on Amano was made official.
- Terry McCormick
- co-publiser of TitanInsider - Lions247