NASHVILLE, Tenn. – With veteran Jurrell Casey out, rookie defensive lineman Matt Dickerson is going to get a chance to play vs the Colts for the first time since the team's October 14 game vs. the Ravens.
Dickerson, who joined the team as an undrafted free agent out of UCLA, has played in two games this season.
"Matt will be active on Sunday," Titans coach Mike Vrabel said. "We only have five d-linemen. He has gotten better. He has given us a great look. I think he has tried to improve, get stronger. He's on a program where he is working out more than I guess what a normal player would work. He is continuing to develop in our scheme. He practices, and he'll get an opportunity on Sunday to play."
Dickerson (6-5, 292) played in 44 games with 16 starts at UCLA, and he totaled 97 tackles, seven tackles for a loss, and 1.5 sacks in his career. He made the 53-man roster after an impressive offseason, and training camp.
Dickerson, credited with a tackle against Baltimore, said he's ready to do his part. Dickerson said he's learned from watching others.
"For all us, the whole d-line, it's a perfect opportunity to step up and watch the team," Dickerson said. "It's a big opportunity not just for me, but for everybody on the d-line. Casey is down, and we have to step in and fill that void.
"I want to do my job, and do anything I can to help us win."
Austin Davis Praise
Vrabel said there's a chance all three of the team's quarterbacks – Marcus Mariota, Blaine Gabbert and Austin Davis – could be active for Sunday's game vs. Colts
Mariota is questionable for Sunday's game with neck/foot injuries. Gabbert, who came off the bench to guide a comeback win over the Redskins, has worked in practices, along with Davis, who was signed earlier in the week.
A seven-year veteran, Davis has spent time with the Rams, Dolphins, Browns, Broncos and Seahawks during his NFL career, and he joined the Titans in September. He's played in 16 career games, and has completed 236-of-378 passes for 2,548 yards and 13 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions.
"I thought he threw it good (in practices)," Vrabel said of Davis. "I think he stayed in shape, and I like Austin. I am glad that he was willing to come back for us. He picked up right where he left off for us with the "show team" stuff."
Davis (6-2, 221) played collegiately at Southern Miss, and he spent the 2017 season as quarterback Russell Wilson's back-up in Seattle. He was initially signed after Gabbert suffered a concussion earlier in the season.
Injury Update
Linebacker Brian Orakpo (elbow) has been ruled out for Sunday's game vs. the Colts.
Mariota (neck, foot) was limited in practice on Friday and is listed as questionable.
Receivers Corey Davis (hamstring) and Tajae Sharpe (ankle) were limited, while linebacker Sharif Finch (shoulder) was a full participant. Davis, Sharpe and Finch are not listed with injury designations.
The Tennessee Titans take the field for practice on Friday, Dec. 28, 2018 at Saint Thomas Sports Park. (Photos: Gary Glenn)