Titans have no plans to bump Fokou

When the Titans kick off the season in Pittsburgh on Sunday, Moise Fokou will be the team’s starting middle linebacker.

Colin McCarthy, a starter last season who was also a team captain, will be a reserve, and special teams player.

And right now, the Titans don’t plan on bumping Fokou from the position any time soon.

Coach Mike Munchak said he earned the position, and the team has no plans to replace him even as McCarthy gets healthier.

“If Moise (Fokou) plays like we think he can, you hope not. You don’t have a crystal ball. I mean, can it happen? Sure. Anything’s possible,’’ he said. “You want them both to play well and see what happens. For now, Moise’s played well. He took advantage of the situation he was given, and now we just have to see how we play as a unit. If guys don’t play well, then yes, you start looking for different combinations that maybe change the way we play. Hopefully, we’re not going to have that conversation. But, it happens at all positions, the offensive line, receiver, linebacker, defensive line. If guys that start the season don’t get the right fit, then you keep making adjustments. He just has to keep getting better, stay healthy, keep working, and he’s going to be a big part of us winning games. “

McCarthy missed nine games last season because of an ankle injury and a concussion. He missed three of the team’s four preseason games this year with a hamstring injury.

The team planned on McCarthy being its starter in the middle even after signing Fokou this offseason. But McCarthy’s going to need patience now.

“I think he is disappointed, I know I would be,’’ Munchak said. “Last year things were going my way and then injuries, injuries, injuries, and someone is ahead of me and I don’t like that. I hope he feels he’s as good as anybody we have, and he should be playing. Unfortunately he just has to work his way back to where we feel he can do all the things he needs to do on an everyday basis. He has missed some time … and right now he is not where he needs to be to be an every down guy. … The big thing is he is healthy and he can help us.”

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Posted In: League News, Team News, Training Camp

Source: Titans Insider