The Tennessee Titans made it official after Jake Locker took another round of reps with the first-team.
The second-year quarterback will make his first start since re-injuring his shoulder on Sept. 30 when the Titans travel to Miami to face the Dolphins.
“Unless something comes up between now and then, he looks like he’s ready to go,” Titans coach Mike Munchak said. “He moved around well, his reactions were good, just things you look for to see if someone is limited in any way where we felt that he wouldn’t be able to play at the level he needs to physically. We didn’t see any of that.”
Locker has dislocated his left shoulder twice this season and will wear a brace to protect the injury, but still plans on playing his regular style that includes scrambling.
On Thursday, the Titans wore pads in practice and defensive end Kamerion Wimbley even knocked Locker to the ground after one pass as part of the process of re-acclimating him to the rigors of being jostled in the pocket.
“He handled it well. He didn’t look like he was worried in any way about his health or shied away from anything, and was stepping into his throws,” Munchak said. “So all the things you want to see, I think the best you can in practice, we saw it. There is no reason to think he can’t play at a high level on Sunday.”
Locker will be listed as probable on the injury report, as will receivers Kenny Britt (knee), Kendall Wright (elbow) and Nate Washington, a late addition to the report after an illness on Friday limited his practice time.
Linebackers Patrick Bailey (ribs), Colin McCarthy (ankle) and Kendall Wright (elbow) are listed as questionable along with cornerback Tommie Campbell (ankle) and tackle Byron Stingily (back). Linebacker Xavier Adibi (knee) and safety Al Afalava (ankle) are out.
- Terry McCormick
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