NASHVILLE, Tenn. —Titans running back Antonio Andrews was ready on Sunday in San Diego.
With veteran back DeMarco Murray slowed earlier in the week with a toe injury, Andrews knew there was at least chance he could be called on to run the ball for this first time this season.
Andrews ended up getting a chance, but not because of Murray. In pre-game warmups, fellow back Derrick Henry suffered a calf injury.
"And coaches were like, 'Antonio, you're up. Derrick is out," Andrews said. "Coaches know I'm always ready to go, that I know my stuff. So I am ready to get in there and help out any way I can."
Andrews carried the ball twice for 15 yards against the Chargers, and nearly busted his first carry for a long one. Andrews was tackled "by the shoestring" on a nine-yard run. In addition to his six snaps on offense, Andrews also played 17 snaps on special teams.
"I thought it was very good for him,'' Titans coach Mike Mularkey said. "It was (out of the blue) … he got called up. For those two plays— especially with the zone read where it's a give or take -- 15 yards on two carries, I was pleased with it. I thought he ran hard."
Andrews could be called on again this week.
Murray and Henry both missed practice on Wednesday, and Henry's status for Sunday's game against the Packers is in question because of the calf injury. Mularkey said earlier in the week the injury could potentially keep him out a few weeks, but he also left open the possibility of him practicing this week as well.
Murray, who leads the team with 807 rushing yards through nine games, continues to nurse the toe injury as well. Andrews said the extra reps in practice should help him get into even better game condition.
Earlier this week, the Titans promoted running back David Fluellen from the practice squad to the 53-man roster as insurance.
Andrews has plenty of experience. In fact, the former Western Kentucky star led the Titans with 520 yards and three touchdowns on 143 carries in 2015. He ran for 3,674 yards with 29 touchdowns during his four-year career at Western Kentucky.
Andrews joined the Titans as an undrafted free agent in 2014.
"Of all my years being here, I am used to the (mindset) of whenever you get in, make a big play, make something happen,'' Andrews said. "When I get the ball I want to make something happen with it.
"I just want to do what I can do to help the team. I just need to keep the underdog chip on my shoulder and handle my business and do what I need to do. When I am in there I try to be physical and to be a tone setter. Every game I try to get a big hit and be ready to roll."
