Injuries at LB concern Titans

One area of concern for the Titans as the team heads toward the regular season is the linebacker position.

The good news for the Titans there was that middle linebacker Colin McCarthy was scheduled to return from a hamstring injury and get his first preseason action Thursday in Minneapolis.

However, starters Akeem Ayers (ankle) and Zach Brown (foot) both sat out Thursday’s contest, as did rookie Zaviar Gooden (ankle). Ayers and Brown are both expected back for the season opener in Pittsburgh, but both have missed a lot of training camp, which is considered especially important for younger players like them.

“I think it hurts,” Titans coach Mike Munchak said of the time his starters have missed. “It’s just like we talked about other positions, like when (some offensive linemen) weren’t practicing. That does hurt you.

“These guys are young. Zach is in his second year, his first as a real starter. You think `Yeah, they’re going to come back,’ and we think they will be, but it is concerning.”

Munchak said it was important for McCarthy to see some preseason action.

“We’re counting on Colin,” Munchak said. “That’s as big as anything, that he gets a chance to play, to get comfortable and get the aggravation behind him. That lets him move forward and help us win football games.”

Share on Facebook

Posted In: Team News, Training Camp

Source: Titans Insider