NASHVILLE – The Titans returned to the practice field on Thursday to continue preparations for Sunday's game against the Ravens in London.
Here's a look at the developments of the day, in quick-hitting fashion …
-When the Titans signed Chris Hubbard back in July, the veteran offensive lineman was viewed by many as a temporary replacement at right tackle.
Hubbard, however, has done his part to keep the job.
With Nicholas Petit-Frere back after serving a four-game suspension, Titans Coach Mike Vrabel made it clear this week he's happy with what he's seen from Hubbard.
"I think Chris is doing a nice job over there," Vrabel said. "Nic will keep working his way in there, but I'm not ready to make that move. I think Chris has been a nice surprise playing over there."
Hubbard, a 10-year veteran, has started all five games this season and he's expected to be the team's starter again on Sunday against the Ravens.
Hubbard played for the Steelers and Browns before joining the Titans.
"It's been a journey," Hubbard said. "Just coming in here, helping the team with what I can do and give everything I've got, that's the main thing. Every week I want to get better, every day I want to get better. I am going to continue to give everything I've got."
-Vrabel made things a little more interesting at the start of practices this week, calling out members of the team's support staff and coaching staff to compete in various competitions. On Wednesday, various team personnel called out by Vrabel ran sprints. On Thursday, the assistant coaches were on center stage, and assistant Luke Stocker got a chance to shine in a one-on-one red zone period. A former tight end with the Titans, Stocker ran a corner route while working against secondary coach Chris Harris. Assistant Pat O'Hara threw Stocker a pass in the end zone, and he made a diving one-handed catch. The offensive players celebrated the catch with Stocker, who got a grass stain on his white shirt for his effort.
-The Titans once again wore their Houston Oilers helmets during today's practice. But no, the team won't wear them on Sunday against the Ravens. Wearing the helmets today gave players a chance to break them in for later this month, when the Titans will wear their throwback Oilers uniforms for the first time on October 29 against the Falcons.
Now, here's a look at all the injury updates from Thursday:
-Receiver Treylon Burks (knee) did not practice again on Thursday. He's been ruled OUT for Sunday's game and will not travel with the team to London.
-Linebacker Luke Gifford (hamstring) did not practice again on Thursday. He's been ruled OUT for Sunday's game and will not travel with the team to London.
-Defensive back Elijah Molden (hamstring) did not practice again on Thursday. He's been ruled OUT for Sunday's game and will not travel with the team to London.
-Defensive lineman Jeffery Simmons (shoulder) was limited in practice on Thursday.
-Defensive lineman Teair Tart (toe) did not practice again on Thursday.
-Linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair (neck) was back at practice again on Thursday and listed as limited.
-Center Aaron Brewer (neck) did not practice on Thursday.
-The Titans added safety Amani Hooker to the Injury Report with a thumb injury. He was limited in today's practice.
-The Titans added defensive lineman Denico Autry to the Injury Report with a finger injury. He was limited in today's practice.
-Running back Derrick Henry was back at practice again on Thursday after being limited (NIR-Rest) in Wednesday's practice. He was listed as a full participant.
-Receiver DeAndre Hopkins was back at practice on Thursday after being limited (NIR-Rest) in Wednesday's practice. He was listed as a full participant.
-The Ravens released their initial Injury Report on Wednesday, and it looked like this: OLB Jadeveon Clowney (illness), OLB Odafe Oweh (ankle), S Geno Stone (hamstring) did not practice. WR Odell Beckham (ankle), CB Marlon Humphrey (foot), T Patrick Mekari (illness/chest), and T Morgan Moses (shoulder) were limited. RB Kealon Mitchell (shoulder) was a full participant.
-The Titans are scheduled to travel to London late Thursday afternoon, and the team is scheduled to arrive in London Friday morning. The Titans will practice in London on Friday before holding a walk-through on Saturday leading up to Sunday's game at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
