NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The Titans just wrapped up practice on Thursday at St. Thomas Sports Park.
On Sunday, the team will face the unbeaten Panthers.
Three quick hits after today's practice…
**
Lewan reaction**
Not long after Mike Mularkey was named interim coach, he made a tough decision that impacted the team, and two players especially.
Mularkey told second-year tackle Taylor Lewan he was replacing him as a captain. He appointed sixth-year running back Dexter McCluster as the team's sixth captain instead.
Lewan on Thursday admitted "it was a shot to my ego" and "at first I was taken aback by the situation."
But Lewan said he understood after Mularkey told him his rationale. Lewan said Mularkey's decision had nothing to do with his play on the field, but instead was based on his lack of experience compared to McCluster.
"We talked about it (last) Tuesday afternoon...and at first I was really taken aback,'' Lewan said. "But after he explained to me the situation and why this is happening, I told him, 'I get it.'"
"Being voted a captain by this team, a 'C' doesn't matter to me. Knowing I have the respect of these guys, my work ethic is what matters to me. I know players respect me with or without a 'C.' For Dexter, that is awesome and I am going to follow him and this gives me an opportunity to play left tackle and not have to worry about anything else."
Lewan said he respects the decision, and Mularkey.
"I respect him a lot, more than a lot of coaches that I've played for,'' Lewan said. "He's a guy I look up to, to have the career he had, the coaching...He is going to do it his way...A 'C' on my chest, no 'C' on my chest, I am going to play as hard as I possibly can."
Lewan pointed out he's 24 years old, and acknowledged he needs to continue to work to be a leader.
**
Fine reaction**
Titans linebacker David Bass was fined for his hit on Saints quarterback Drew Brees on Sunday.
ESPN's Adam Schefter first reported the league hit him with a fine of $17,363 for a hit that left Brees shaken up, and needing stitches.
Bass received a roughing-the-passer penalty on the play. He acknowledged the fine on Thursday, and said he plans to appeal. Bass doesn't think he deserved to be flagged or fined.
"I have spoken with people and gotten different opinions from people, including coaches, and nobody thinks it's a fineable offense. It's my first time getting fined, so I think that's a little steep considering it's my first offense,'' Bass said. "That is a lot of money. I don't care how much money you make in the world — that is a lot of money. Hopefully it gets overturned. The appeal is set for next week."
Injury Update
Mularkey ruled out cornerback Jason McCourty (groin) for Sunday's game, and said he continues to get opinions about his injury. Receiver Kendall Wright (knee) missed practice again and is questionable.
Running back Dexter McCluster (ankle), cornerback Perrish Cox (hamstring) and cornerback Blidi Wreh-Wilson (hamstring) were all limited in Thursday's practice.
Linebacker Zach Brown was added to the injury report with a knee contusion, and he also missed practice.
