By Terry McCormick, Correspondent

NASHVILLE — One day after suffering an elbow injury in practice, Tennessee Titans rookie defensive tackle Jason Jones was a spectator while watching his teammates prepare for the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Jones, a second-round draft pick from Eastern Michigan, sported a brace on his injured left elbow during the practice.

Also, kicker Rob Bironas, who missed the entire preseason with a strained groin on his kicking leg, was held out of Thursday’s practice for what coach Jeff Fisher termed a day of rest.

Bironas, who made 35 of 39 field-goal tries last season for a touchdown-challenged offense, and Fisher indicated that he should return to practice today.

“We’re a healthy football team right now. Rob didn’t practice, but that was a coach’s decision,” Fisher said.

When asked if he would play Sunday, Bironas told reporters, “Yes, as far as I know. I’m just getting back into it. I don’t want to go too fast, so the trainers and Coach told me to take the day off.”

He has been going through his normal routine of 25-30 kicks per practice, Bironas said.

As for Jones’ status, “He did not practice today. We’ll see how he is tomorrow,” Fisher said.

Jones is expected to be the top backup in the defensive tackle rotation behind starters Albert Haynesworth and Tony Brown. Kevin Vickerson is next in line on the depth chart.

Haunted goal post?

Thursday’s practice was interrupted briefly when a strong, steady wind that had been prevalent throughout practice took hold of a mobile goal post at the south end of the practice field and began rolling it toward a group of players watching a team drill.

The goal post on wheels caused players and coaches to scatter quickly, drawing laughs from onlookers.

Fisher said he saw tight end Alge Crumpler running “faster than he has in years” in trying to get away from the post, which was finally tilted over on its face by members of the equipment staff.

Reunion time

Fisher’s friendship with Gregg Williams dates back to when Williams was the Titans’ defensive coordinator under Fisher before leaving to become the head coach in Buffalo.

That friendship will have to be put on hold for a few hours Sunday, as Williams is now defensive coordinator for the Jaguars.

“It’s always a challenge,” Fisher said. “You say we know each other really well — we do off the field — but I don’t know how well we know each other anymore on the field. It’s always a challenge.

“I was really happy for Gregg because he settled in with a really solid organization, considering what he went through at the end of the season last year. He did a nice job with the Redskins, and obviously it was time to move on. You don’t want to see someone with that kind of talent in your division, but it is what it is so we’ll prepare for it.”

E-mail Terry McCormick at sports@timesfreepress.com

Comments