NASHVILLE – Titans head coach Mike Vrabel held a video conference call on Thursday to provide some updates while he's away from Saint Thomas Sports Park.
Vrabel, who tested positive for COVID-19 on Sunday, is currently in quarantine, at home.
He hasn't attended practices this week as the team prepares for Saturday's preseason finale against the Chicago Bears.
Here's a look at what Vrabel said on Thursday:
-Vrabel said he has not had a negative test result, and at this point he's not planning to be on the sideline for Saturday's game.
"We'll have the football team ready to go," Vrabel said. "We'll see who is available to play, and who is available to coach."
-One assistant who won't be available: Special teams coordinator Craig Aukerman. Vrabel said Aukerman, who has missed the past two practices, is in the protocol, and "I don't think he'll be available for the game."
-Quarterback Matt Barkley will start on Sunday in the preseason finale, and he'll split series with fellow back-up Logan Woodside. "We'll rotate those guys every two series," Vrabel said of the QBs. "Hopefully we can continue to get a great evaluation of those guys."
-Vrabel said assistant special teams coach Matt Edwards will have an increased role on Saturday with Aukerman out, with assistance from other coaches.
-The Titans are now 97 to 98 percent vaccinated or with antibodies, GM Jon Robinson said earlier in the day. Vrabel said he's feeling fine, and he credits the vaccine for easing his symptoms. "The vaccine, I believe, made the symptoms in my specific case less," Vrabel said. "And I think that is also the case, from what I've heard, from our other players."
-Vrabel said he plans to watch Saturday's game "and listen to Mike Keith and David McGinnis call it on (Titans Radio)." And he said he'll be in "evaluation mode" to see how players are performing.
-The Titans now have seven players on the Reserve/COVID-19 list, including QB Ryan Tannehill, TE Geoff Swaim, LB Justin March-Lillard, RB Jeremy McNichols, LB Nick Dzubnar, LB Harold Landry and DT Anthony Rush. Vrabel said he's hopeful the team will get everyone back for the regular season. "As far as a timing perspective, we do have time," Vrabel said. "There is a very real possibility we'll have all those guys back and healthy and ready to help us win and perform."
