NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Titans cornerback Malcolm Butler has been cleared from the concussion protocol, and is a go for Sunday's game vs the Jets.
Butler, injured against the Texans, said he's felt more comfortable in the defense of late.
"It's better than what it was, but it could be better," Butler said of his performance. "And that is what I am aiming more."
Titans defensive coordinator Dean Pees offered a strong defense of Butler this week. Butler, signed this offseason after playing previously with the Patriots, has given up some plays this season, but he's been more effective of late.
"I think he's getting better, and he's working hard at it," Pees said of Butler. "I'll be bluntly honest with you: I think Malcolm's biggest problem was reading the stuff that was written about him. … His biggest hangup is he just didn't want to disappoint anybody. He's a good player, he's an aggressive player. Sometimes aggressive players get beat, too, for being aggressive.
"But the other thing is he fought through it. I give him credit, he fought through it. And now he has to maintain it and keep doing it. … We have faith in him."
Henry's Improvement
Titans running back Derrick Henry has been more effective since the bye week.
In games against the Cowboys, Patriots, Colts and Texans, Henry has averaged 4.7 yards per carry. Henry averaged over five yards per carry in two of those games. In the seven games before the bye, Henry averaged just 3.3 yards per carry.
"I'm just trying to help this team win games, and get better every week," Henry said.
Henry has 434 yards and four touchdowns on the season. He's scored three touchdowns since bye.
"I am just trying to get better," Henry said. "I've just been watching film and have been trying to improve."
Injury Update
Safety Dane Cruikshank (knee) and running back David Fluellen (knee) did not practice again on Friday.
Quarterback Marcus Mariota (abdomen) and receiver Taywan Taylor (foot) appeared on the Injury Report at the beginning of the week, but once again practiced in full. Butler (concussion), cornerback Adoree' Jackson (knee), guard Josh Kline (shoulder) tackle Taylor Lewan (ankle), and receiver Tajae Sharpe (ankle) all practiced again on Friday.
Linebacker Will Compton (hamstring) was added to the injury report on Thursday, but he practiced on Friday.
