NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The Titans just wrapped up practice on Wednesday at St. Thomas Sports Park.
On Sunday, the team will face the unbeaten Panthers.
Three quick hits after today's practice…
**
Captain switch**
Running back Dexter McCluster has been appointed a captain by interim coach Mike Mularkey.
He joins linebacker Brian Orakpo, cornerback Jason McCourty, tight end Delanie Walker, defensive lineman Jurrell Casey and linebacker Wesley Woodyard.
McCluster replaces second-year tackle Taylor Lewan, who was among the initial six when captains were announced last month.
"It's based on experience,'' Mularkey said. "Taylor hasn't started a full season yet, and I thought Dexter had earned that right with his play since he's been here. Taylor took it extremely well.… I just made the decision that I felt was best for the team (based) on what guys have done over a longer period of time."
McCluster, in his sixth NFL season, has the leadership qualities of a captain, Mularkey said.
"You are talking about guy who steps up,'' Mularkey said of McCluster. "In the Houston game he cut J.J. Watt. He has no fear, and he is tough. He is what we are trying to be around here. And that's not saying Taylor Lewan is not that. Taylor is just like that, he just hasn't done it as much as Dexter has."
Mularkey made the decision last Tuesday, he said. That's the day he replaced Ken Whisenhunt. McCluster wore the captain patch on his uniform during Sunday's game vs the Saints.
"I'm sure it bruised his ego, it does anybody that's a competitor,'' Mularkey said of Lewan, who's in his second NFL season. "But it did not show up on the field. I told him: You'll be a captain here for a long, long time. This is just a decision I thought was best, in my eyes, for our team…I think the team understood, and we move forward."
Cobb ready
The Titans activated running back David Cobb from the Injured Reserve-Designated to Return list earlier in the day, but Mularkey said it's too early to know how much Cobb might play moving forward.
Cobb has been on the shelf since being placed on IR prior to start of the season. He's battled his weight of late, but said Wednesday he's down to 225 pounds.
He also said he's ready to roll. He said he feels like he's a part of the team again.
"I'm kind of like a new car on the road," Cobb said with a smile. "I am excited. For me, I have waited my whole life to play a snap in the NFL so whatever it is, I'll be happy."
Mularkey opened up the possibility of running back Bishop Sankey being inactive on Sunday.
Injury Update
Cornerback Jason McCourty (groin), receiver Kendall Wright (knee) and McCluster (ankle) all missed practice on Wednesday. McCourty was scheduled for a second opinion.
Cornerback Perrish Cox (hamstring) and cornerback Blidi Wreh-Wilson (hamstring) were limited.
