- David Givens revealed some interesting news to Tennessean reporter Jim Wyatt and the news is not good for Titans fans. Givens said his recovery is progressing slower than the Titans hoped for and he had to undergo a second knee operation. I’m not really surprised by this, I haven’t expected much, if anything, from Givens this year. Jeff Fisher has a history of giving overly optimistic prognoses of players’ return to action. If memory serves correctly, last summer Dr. Fisher predicted Erron Kinney would be back for practice in training camp and able to play in September.
- In the same article, Wyatt wrote that LenDale White missed practice Thursday after straining a hamstring in OTAs earlier this week. White was overweight and out of shape to start OTAs, although Fisher tried to downplay the issue. The same thing happened last year, so White is showing some consistency if nothing else.
- White has been penciled in as the starting back this year, but he’s not acting like he wants the job. His main competition should come from second-round draft pick Chris Henry, a real workout warrior. I’d like to see Henry push White and would also like to see someone light a fire under White’s rear. He had a chance to get himself in shape during the offseason and show he wanted to play this year. I wonder how serious he is about football.
- Journeyman quarterback Tim Rattay has signed a one-year deal with the Titans. GM Mike Reinfeldt said it gives the team the option of having three quarterbacks on the roster. Rattay is a decent quarterback who has had some good moments but if he wants to beat out Kerry Collins for the backup spot he’ll have to do so off the field as well as on it. Fisher, OC Norm Chow and QB coach Craig Johnson all appreciated the way Collins helped out Vince Young last year in meetings, watching film, giving advice, mentoring, and so on.
- Tennessee also picked up linebacker Gilbert Gardner, who was released by the Colts. I doubt if anyone expects him to do more than provide depth and special teams help. It will help to make for a little more competition for a roster spot
- Chris Mortensen reported that Pacman Jones went to a strip club the night before he met with Commissioner Goodell last month. It made for a lot of talk on Nashville sports radio and the most common opinion was one of disbelief Pacman could do something so stupid. Pacman is scheduled to meet with Goodell Friday for his appeal of his suspension. Does anyone really think Goodell is going to reverse himself on this issue?
- Former Titan Steve McNair also provided fodder for talk radio with his arrest for DUI Wednesday night/Thursday morning in Nashville. He was a passenger in the front seat of his own vehicle, which was being driven by his brother-in-law, who was allegedly drunk. Under state law, that makes McNair subject to arrest as well, for allowing a person under the influence to operate his vehicle. McNair was arrested a couple of years ago for DUI and eventually beat the charge, though he spent a pretty penny on legal bills. I’ve heard that lawyers usually successfully defend their clients on this charge but I wonder if Goodell will take disciplinary action against McNair for twice bringing negative publicity to the league.
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