NASHVILLE, Tenn. –Frigid temperatures continued Thursday at Saint Thomas Sports Park as the Titans practiced again in sub-30 degree weather. The conditions aren't ideal, but they do serve as a preview for what's expected at LP Field Monday night against the Steelers.
Weather aside, here are five things that came out of Titans practice.
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- Delanie Walker Still in Concussion Protocol**
There are unfortunately no updates to give on the Titans top tight end other than the fact that Walker is still going through the league's concussion protocol. Walker suffered the concussion on a crushing hit from Ravens safety Terrence Brooks in the second quarter last Sunday against Baltimore. He has been in good spirits around the locker room this week after not returning to Sunday's contest, but his status for Monday Night Football is very much a question mark.
If Walker can't go, Chase Coffman, Richard Gordon and Brett Brackett will be left to fill the void. Coffman is the only one of the bunch with a catch this season, grabbing two passes for 18 yards against the Browns in Week 5.
4. Other Bumps and Bruises
Leon Washington and Dexter McCluster were all limited on Thursday. Whisenhunt said he's optimistic both returners will be a go on Monday because there's still four days to go. He noted things could change as the game approaches.
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- Kendall Wright Titans Third Punt Returner**
Whisenhunt confirmed that if both McCluster and Washington were unable to go Monday, that Kendall Wright would be the Titans punt returner. Wright had seven total punt returns in college at Baylor for 42 yards. The receiver did have one return that went for a touchdown but was called back due to penalty during his Baylor days.
2. Titans Rookies Ready for Prime Time
Titans rookies Bishop Sankey and Avery Williamson both said they're looking forward to their first Monday Night Football experience. Both players are expecting friends and family to attend the game.
"I'll be excited on the inside," said Sankey, who has been featured on one of ESPN's main promos for the game along with Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger.
As for Williamson, the linebacker was far less subdued in describing the opportunity, displaying a radiant grin the entire time.
"I would sit there watching with my dad and I remember telling him that I can't wait to say my name on TV when they announce what school you go to," said Williamson before acknowledging that Monday Night Football no longer has players introduce themselves (NBC still does on Sunday Night Football). "It's still cool to get the opportunity to play on Monday night. It's huge to play on prime time."
1. Whisenhunt Excited for Extra Day on Friday
The Titans head coach got scientific when describing the layout of the team's extra day on Friday.
"It's all walkthrough. It's going to be like the second practice in training camp. It's more of a recovery day for your body. In doing studies now, the physiology of it, it's better to go two days pretty hard and then take a day for recovery before starting back up on Saturday. We're going to try this method and see how it works for us."
One of the many benefits of the extra day is the added reps for all the young players who have been thrust into the Titans lineup.
"I think it's a great thing for us," Whisenhunt continued. "One of the things we need to be better at is some of the details. A lot of times it's tough when you're putting a plan in because you only have limited reps. This is a good opportunity to do that."
