A beat-up offensive line is not something the Tennessee Titans wanted or needed with the tenacious Chicago Bears defense coming to LP Field on Sunday.
Injury-wise, Tennessee's biggest concern is with guard Leroy Harris, who apparently stretched some ligaments in his right knee in Sunday's loss to the Indianapolis Colts.
“It’s one of those things when something isn’t torn, it’s hard to tell how stretched it is, so you kind of have to wait a few more days to kind of get an evaluation of where that’s at,” Titans coach Mike Munchak said. “A lot of those types of injuries you can play with a lot quicker than you think. We’re just kind of waiting and seeing how that thing sorts out this week.”
The injury isn't as serious as the Titans first feared when Harris was hurt on Sunday, but the knee has troubled him for the better part of the season. Harris was usually getting Wednesdays off each week up until the past two games.
Either Deuce Lutui or Kevin Matthews, who filled in last week when Harris went down, is likely to get the call this week for Tennessee. As insurance, the Titans brought back guard Kyle DeVan, who was cut in training camp.
Harris isn't the only Titans offensive lineman having issues.
Right tackle David Stewart hyper-extended his knee on the same play that Harris was hurt. Stewart returned to finish the game, but did not practice Wednesday. Munchak is hopeful Stewart will be able to go later this week.
“Stewart is the one, with the knee, we’ll see,” Munchak said. “We hope by Friday he’s practicing, or maybe Thursday. He’s a guy that usually rallies and can play. We should have him back. Probably the only position will be right guard. Leroy (Harris) has some distance to cover to be ready to play on Sunday, so we’ll see. I think we feel confident in that group.”
The Titans should get left tackle Michael Roos back. Roos practiced in limited fashion on Wednesday after being out last week following an appendectomy a day after Tennessee defeated the Buffalo Bills.
“We feel good with Michael. He practiced some today, and he’ll continue to do more every day. He should be OK,” he said.
Other injuries
Quarterback Jake Locker took another small step in his recover from a dislocated and fractured shoulder on Wednesday. Locker has still not been cleared for contact and won't play this week against the Chicago Bears.
Locker threw in 11-on-11 scout team drills Wednesday in limited work.
Linebacker Colin McCarthy practiced in limited role on his troublesome right ankle.
Also, limited was linebacker Will Witherspoon, who has been bothered by a hamstring injury.
Linebacker Patrick Bailey (ribs) and cornerback Tommie Campbell (ankle) were also out on Wednesday.
Those who practiced fully but were listed on the injury report include receiver Kenny Britt (knee), safety Michael Griffin (hip), center Fernando Velasco (concussion), receiver Nate Washington (knee) and defensive end Kamerion Wimbley (toe).
- Terry McCormick
- co-publiser of TitanInsider - Lions247