NASHVILLE – The Titans hit the practice field at Ascension Saint Thomas Sports Park on Monday to ramp up preparations for Sunday's regular season opener against the New York Giants.
Also on Monday, the locker room was open, and reporters made the rounds.
Titans HC Mike Vrabel also held a press conference today.
Let's hit on the happenings of the day in a quick-hitting fashion:
-The Titans were without outside linebacker Harold Landry, of course.
On Friday, the Titans placed Landry on Injured Reserve after he suffered a knee injury in last Wednesday's practice.
The loss of Landry was a popular topic during Vrabel's press conference, and in the locker room.
-Former Steelers linebacker Derrek Tuszka, claimed off waivers last week, is one of the guys who will join the rotation to help the pass rush.
Tuszka practiced for the first time on Monday. The former Steelers edge rusher will wear No.59 in Tennessee, but he was decked out in No.55 in Monday's session.
-Second year-linebacker Rashad Weaver is also now on the spot. After flashing in the past two preseasons, Weaver is now expected to be a factor opposite Bud Dupree.
-Speaking of Dupree, he said he feels good and is ready to roll.
-Receiver Robert Woods said he also feels good after working his way back from an ACL injury.
-Receiver Josh Gordon, signed to the practice squad last week, practiced for the first time with the team. Gordon is wearing No. 19.
Gordon talked extensively with reporters before today's session.
I'll do a separate story on Gordon shortly, but here's a look at some practice highlights, and snippets from his interview:
-I chatted with punter Ryan Stonehouse on Monday, and he was very complimentary of veteran Brett Kern and his influence.
It's game week, of course, and safety Kevin Byard said the Titans are fired up about it.
-Two players weren't spotted at Monday's session: Defensive backs Elijah Molden and Lonnie Johnson.
-Outside linebacker Zach Cunningham was out of the yellow jersey he'd been wearing in recent practices.
-Titans defensive back Ugo Amadi has switched to No. 32.
-Lonnie Johnson has switched to No.20.
-The Titans return to the practice field on Wednesday to continue to preparations for the Giants.
-Check out some more of today's practice clips and interviews below:
