NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Delanie Walker hasn't played in a preseason game yet, and at this point, he probably won't.
But the Titans tight end is hardly sweating it.
His mindset is to be ready for the regular season opener against the Dolphins on September 9, and he's optimistic about his chances.
"I am very confident that I'll be ready," Walker said. "I love playing the game, but at the end of the day, do I need to play in the preseason? I don't think so. I have been playing 13 seasons, and I've played in a lot of preseason games. So when you only get like five plays in a preseason game, I don't know if that helps you or not."
Walker was named to his third straight Pro Bowl in 2017 after he led the team with 74 receptions for 807 yards and three touchdowns. He was named Offensive MVP of the Pro Bowl after catching two touchdowns in the game, including an 18-yard, game-winning score in the fourth quarter.
In 12 seasons, Walker has caught 479 passes for 5,621 yards and 34 touchdowns. He played his first seven seasons with the San Francisco 49ers before signing with the Titans prior to the 2013 season.
On Monday, Walker was on the practice field in uniform at the start of practice for the first time in nearly two weeks. Walker said he's excited about returning to the field. He hasn't enjoyed watching the games on television too much, he said.
The Titans will be looking for their first win of the preseason on Thursday night at Nissan Stadium when the Vikings visit.
"It hurts that I am not out there," Walker said. "It's the preseason, so the games aren't really that serious, but it is serious because we always want to win, everyone in this locker room. It just hurts that I am not out there contributing."
The Tennessee Titans take the field for practice on Monday, Aug. 27, 2018 at Saint Thomas Sports Park. (Photos: Gary Glenn)
