NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Titans linebacker Derrick Morgan got off to a flying start this season.
After four games he had 4 ½ sacks, and he looked to be on track for a monstrous season. Then Morgan suffered a shoulder injury in the team's sixth game.
His progress was slowed, and he was eventually sidelined.
"It (stinks) because I had a strong start,'' Morgan said on Friday. "But it just gives me all the motivation in the world to get back for next year, just knowing that – and hopefully we'll be in a similar system – just being in the system I was in and getting comfortable with it. And having guys like (Brian) Orakpo on the other side opening things up for me and the whole defense.
"So I am excited and motivated to be back as soon as I possibly can."
Earlier this week, Morgan was placed on season-ending Injured Reserve. He had surgery on Tuesday to repair a torn left labrum, an injury he suffered on October 25 against the Falcons. Morgan tried to play through for several weeks before being inactive for several games.
Morgan was in the locker room on Friday in a sling, which he is expected to wear several weeks.
He's already looking forward to 2016. Morgan finished the season with 34 tackles and 4.5 sacks. He said he should be able to be back for organized team activities, and he said he'll be back by training camp.
"I'm doing OK. I know the worst is over now,'' Morgan said. "I am looking forward to being back as soon as I can in the best, smartest way. … I am glad it wasn't something too bad that I can't come back from.
"But I am motivated to get it strong, and get it right for next year."
