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NASHVILLE, Tenn. —**The Titans just wrapped up practice on Wednesday at Saint Thomas Sports Park.

Three quick hits:

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"I love the kid"**

Delanie Walker didn't know fellow tight end Craig Stevens was struggling with the decision on whether to retire or keep playing.

After learning of his decision to walk away, Walker said he respects him even more.

"I always looked up to (Craig),'' Walker said. "He was a great family man, and when he stepped on the field, he was a beast. I respect him so much. If he was battling (a decision), you couldn't tell. Another man might've gone out and collected a check, but he didn't do that. He felt like he wasn't in it and he let everyone know."

Teammates across the locker room, along with coach Mike Mularkey, praised Stevens on Wednesday, the same day Stevens officially signed his retirement papers.

"He was a consummate pro and a first class-guy, a hard worker,'' tight end Anthony Fasano said. "He was a good friend, and a good teammate."

"It was an honor to play alongside him,'' cornerback Jason McCourty said. "He's everything you would want in a football player."

"I have a lot of respect for Craig, and I respect his decision,'' Mularkey said. "I am going to be in his corner no matter what. I love the kid."

But not everyone liked him, Walker reminded.

"The guys on defense hated him because he wouldn't stop blocking until the whistle blew,'' Walker said. "That was Craig Stevens. I appreciated it. He pissed defenders off and got in their heads, and when you do that they kind of forget what their job is. And I think that is what Craig wanted to do." 

Shaw at practice, on board for Miami trip

Former Titans linebacker Tim Shaw attended practice, and he's scheduled to make the trip with the team to Miami for the final preseason game.

Shaw, diagnosed with ALS in 2014, signed a contract with the Titans earlier this month and retired with the team. At the time, Mularkey said he was welcome at the facility any time he wanted to be there.

Shaw watched practice, and stretched with members of the defense after practice.

"He has been to meetings,'' Mularkey said of Shaw. "I asked him to go to Oakland, but he has a prior commitment. But he is going to go to Miami with us. It's great to have him around. I want him around."

Shaw attended a walk-through with the team recently as well.

"I was just talking to him about some of the changes that have gone on around here,'' McCourty said of Shaw, his former teammate. "It's cool to kind of sit back and reminisce and talk about some of the moments we've shared over the years."

Injuries

Receiver Kendall Wright (hamstring), cornerback Perrish Cox (ankle) and center Andy Gallik (knee) did not practice on Wednesday.

Gallik had arthroscopic knee surgery, and will miss the final two preseason games.

Titans tidbits

Former Steelers coach Bill Cowher was at Saint Thomas Sports Park, and watched practice.