NASHVILLE – In the mind of Titans cornerback Caley Farley, his return to the field on Sunday in Jacksonville had been a long time coming.
Farley, the team's first-round pick, was sidelined for three games after playing in the season opener. After recovering from issues related to his offseason back surgery, it was a shoulder injury that kept him out of action for nearly a month.
Farley's patience was tested, so his opportunity in the team's 37-19 win over the Jaguars meant a lot.
"I mean, it felt great," Farley said after the game. "A lot of emotions I was feeling. I was extremely excited. I had butterflies, and it was awesome to be out there and finally feel a part of the team, and the brotherhood, and everybody giving their all to get a win."
Farley played in 24 of the defense's 71 snaps against the Jaguars. When cornerback Kristian Fulton left the contest with an injury, it was Farley who stepped in. Farley was credited with two tackles and a pass defensed on defense. Farley also played four snaps on special teams.
Titans head coach Mike Vrabel gave this assessment of Farley on Monday:
"He had a defensive holding that got an interception taken away, which was close," Vrabel said. "He got up, tried to challenge, tried to play square, had some activity on special teams and hopefully he keeps getting better. (He just needs to) keep getting more reps out there in practice and be able to get in there and help us."
It remains to be seen if Fulton will miss any practice time, or game time, with his injury. Fulton left Sunday's game on two different occasions, and he didn't return the second time. Fulton's injury was announced as a "hamstring" in the press box in Jacksonville.
Farley will certainly be ready.
Titans secondary coach Anthony Midget said Farley did a good job during his time rehabbing. Midget said Farley stayed involved mentally so he'd be in a position to help when needed.
"I have been very pleased with what he has shown, as far as his attention to detail with the gameplan, and him studying away from the building," Midget said of Farley. "I think he has gotten a lot better at that, and it has been encouraging to see.
"He's in the meetings every day, he's involved, he asks questions, and he is doing reports on everything we ask him to do."
The Titans return to action against the Buffalo Bills on Monday night at Nissan Stadium.
