NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Sammie Hill played in just nine snaps in Sunday's game against the Texans, but it was a start.
The Titans defensive lineman was inactive for the first six games of the season while recovering from a knee injury.
"It felt great to be back out there with my teammates,'' Hill said. "I hate we lost the game, but that's the positive side for me, the fact that I was able to get back out there with them."
Hill's return gives the Titans depth on the defensive line. He was credited with a tackle in the team's 20-6 loss to the Texans.
Did he have to work some rust off upon his return?
"Rust?,'' he said with a smile. "I'm from Alabama, there's no such thing. If I'm out there, I have to be ready to go."
In the coming weeks, Hill will likely get on the field more. At least he hopes so.
In his place, however, Al Woods has played well in recent weeks, something Hill was quick to point out.
In 15 games last season, the 6-4, 328-pound Hill was a force himself, racking up 47 tackles with three sacks. He played his first four seasons with the Lions before signing with the Titans prior to the 2014 season.
"What coach let's me do, that's what I am going to do. When I am in there, I am going to try and make as many plays as I can make,'' Hill said. "Whatever coach feels like is best, that's what I am going to do.
"I do have to get back in the flow of things, I know that. I would love to play more, but I am not trippin' because I have a beast in Al Woods in there and he is doing good. So why should I complain? When they want me in there they'll put me in there."
