NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Titans cornerback Jason McCourty had groin surgery on Monday, and a few hours later he saw a half-dozen media reports projecting how many games he'll miss because of it.
"It's kind of funny,'' McCourty said on Wednesday. "You turn on (the TV) and it says, per this person and per that person I'll be out this long, and I'm like, "Man, I haven't talked to any of them." Maybe they know my doctor?" At this point in my career, I understand that part of it, I guess.
"But for me, I am focusing on the now, and on myself and this year. And it's just a process of how I improve each day."
McCourty, heading into his seventh NFL season, hasn't missed a start since the 2011 season. He's started 51 straight games in all.
Coach Ken Whisenhunt said on Monday he hasn't ruled out McCourty for the season opener at Tampa Bay on September 12. McCourty, who is walking as part of his early rehab, said he's not sure of an exact timetable.
After the game at Tampa Bay, the Titans play at Cleveland on September 20 before their home opener against the Colts on September 27. The bye is scheduled for October 4.
"I was talking to the doctor and we didn't look at the schedule and pinpoint a game or anything like that. He gave me an idea of this many days to walking and how many days to this and that,'' McCourty said. "It will depend on how I feel. We'll just see how it goes. I just want to be back as soon as possible.
"In my mind I want to be back the first game, and that is what I am working toward. I don't know if that is possible or not, but we'll see in the coming weeks if that is possible. If the game was this week I could sit here and tell you I am definitely not playing."
The Titans play the Chiefs on Friday before wrapping up the preseason on September 3 vs. the Vikings. While McCourty is out he said he's doing his best to "coach" the others defensive backs.
He watched practiced on Wednesday, and was in the locker room afterward.
"I don't want to underestimate myself and at the same time I don't want to be overzealous,'' McCourty said. "So don't rule yourself out of games with weeks to come. I am not saying I am definitely going to be out there, or definitely not going to be out there. I am just going to be out there as soon as possible."
