Gage returns to practice field

Receiver Justin Gage was a full participant in Wednesday's scaled down walk-through as the Titans prepare for the Philadelphia Eagles.

Gage suffered a hamstring injury against the Denver Broncos and had not practiced since then until the Wednesday.

“I'm just happy to be back out there and moving around and exercising and getting a step closer,” Gage said.

While Gage has been out, two of Tennessee's younger receivers have stepped up and played very well in his stead. Kenny Britt has been starting in Gage's old spot, and rookie Damian Williams is now the team's third wide receiver.

Britt has made two starts with Gage out and has 16 receptions for the season. The 2009 first-round pick has six receptions for 119 yards and two touchdowns since replacing Gage. He has caught a TD pass in four straight games. Williams also has six receptions for 78 yards. The question is whether or not the Titans will scale back the playing time of the younger receivers once Gage returns. In the past, veteran starters jobs have usually been waiting for them when they return. But even Gage has noticed how well the youngsters have been playing.

“Kenny, Damian and all the guys, as a receiver group, we feel like if one guy goes down, the rest have to pick it up at that same level, and those guys have been doing that, if not better,” Gage said.

Gage is hopeful of playing Sunday against Philadelphia, but offered no guarantees.

“I'm hoping I am [playing], but it's going to come down to game time, so we'll see,” Gage said.