NASHVILLE – Titans head coach Brian Callahan talked to reporters on Monday, one day after the team's 20-17 overtime win over the New England Patriots.
Here's a look at the hot topics from the presser as the team turns its attention to Sunday's game at the Los Angeles Chargers.
-Safety Quandre Diggs (Lisfranc) and center Lloyd Cushenberry (Achilles) are very likely headed to Injured Reserve, per Callahan. "Disappointed for them," Callahan said. "That's a bummer – those guys were really doing a nice job playing for us. That's disappointing for them and for us."
-The plan is for Will Levis to return as the team's starting quarterback, and that could come this Sunday against the Chargers. Mason Rudolph has started the last three games in place of Levis, who is recovering from a right shoulder injury. "I am hopeful that this is the week," Callahan said of Levis returning as the starter. "We'll see how he feels today; he should feel good. And then we'll increase the workload, and we'll see how he responds throughout the week. But I am hopeful that this gives him a chance to go play."
-Callahan said the team is hoping to get running back Tyjae Spears, who has been dealing with a hamstring injury, back in action soon. Callahan said the Titans are hoping to reduce the workload of running back Tony Pollard, because all the carries are wearing on him a bit. "We'd like to get Tyjae back to help that," Callahan said, "and let those guys rotate more."
-Callahan bragged on Pollard, who ran for 128 yards on 28 carries against the Patriots. Callahan said Pollard ran with great physicality, and said he made some great cuts in the game. "An awesome performance," Callahan said.
-Callahan said Daniel Brunskill will move to center if Dillon Radunz is able to return to action, at right guard. In the event Radunz needs more time with his injured foot, Callahan said Corey Levin would remain at center. Callahan was complimentary of Levin and his performance while stepping in for an injured Cushenberry on Sunday.
-Callahan said Mike Brown did a nice job stepping in for an injured Quandre Diggs on Sunday.
-Callahan was also very complimentary safety Amani Hooker, who had two interceptions against the Patriots, while also heaping praise on receiver Nick Westbrook-Ikhine and linebacker Jack Gibbens. NWI caught a touchdown in his fourth consecutive games, and Gibbens tallied 14 tackles while adding a ½ sack and two tackles for a loss. "They're consistent, and they're reliable," Callahan said of Westbrook-Ikhine, and Gibbens. "They keep showing up, and it's really cool to see those guys step up and perform."
