By Terry McCormick, Correspondent

NASHVILLE — Casey Cramer says he is no longer the worrying type.

Sure, the reserve fullback and tight end admits he is in a fight to claim a spot on the Tennessee Titans' 53-man roster this week, as he is every year.

But unlike previous years, Cramer won't let the thoughts of what could be rule his thinking.

“I've been a bubble guy ever since my rookie year, and it used to really drive me anxious,” Cramer said. “It was hard this time of year, just because you didn't know what you were going to do and where you were going to be.”

In four previous NFL seasons, Cramer has bounced around. Originally drafted by Tampa Bay, he spent time on the Titans' practice squad before going to Carolina in 2004. And after two years with the Panthers, the Titans grabbed him off waivers after final cuts in 2006. Last year, he made it through a camp for the first time without being released.

“I was cut three times my rookie year. I've been cut five times total, and it should have been a sixth, but because of a technicality, they couldn't cut me. I was injured,” Cramer said. “So I've definitely grown accustomed to this time of year, and really just said, ‘This is out of my hands. God is going to take care of me,’ and just leave that anxiety out the door.”

By taking that approach, Cramer said he is enjoying this summer's training camp much more than ones in years past.

“I've been able to enjoy this season much more with that. Whatever happens, I'll be fine. I obviously have a lot of fun playing football, but I'll be fine outside of football as well,” Cramer said.

Titans coach Jeff Fisher has come to appreciate Cramer, who brings a unique mix of hard work and a fun persona to practice each day.

“He's very consistent. He knows what to do and how to do it, and he has fun doing it,” Fisher said. “He's a versatile player that you can plug in anywhere on special teams, and a number of different positions on offense. That's why he's been playing. He's found a home here, and we appreciate everything he's done and the things that are ahead.”

Despite Fisher's praise, Cramer won't get complacent and think he is secure just yet.

“I'm 26, and it's taken me five seasons to finally realize that — just appreciating opportunities and every game and knowing that this is a gift,” Cramer said. “It's not promised to you at all. And every game is like that, even during the season when you know you're on a team. An injury can put you out for the rest of your life. Just enjoying it and going out and having fun and not worrying about that stuff has been a blast.”

He has also prepared himself for when he turns in his playbook for the final time. Cramer is a graduate of Dartmouth and has been through four years of off-season work in the NFL's Business Management and Entrepreneurial program.

Those things have not only prepared him for life, but made him realize something else as well.

“I'm licensed to do brokerage stuff,” Cramer said. “All that stuff is fine, but I think what I realized in working on the education and jobs and internships is that I enjoy football so much more, and it makes me want to do better here while I'm playing, because the game is so much more fun than sitting behind a desk.”

Little move

The Titans will transfer running back Rafael Little from the non-football injury list to the active physically unable to play list on Tuesday when they must cut the roster to 75 players.

Little has been out since tearing his ACL in Senior Bowl workouts in January. This move will mean Little will be off the active roster, but gives him a chance to be evaluated after six weeks of the regular season.

That move will leave the Titans with four more players to release by Tuesday.

Injuries

The Titans were without a number of players for Sunday's practice, including kicker Rob Bironas (groin), cornerback Marquice Cole (leg), defensive back Chris Carr (shoulder), cornerback Cary Williams (quad), linebacker David Thornton (shoulder/rest), linebacker Jorge Cordova (hamstring), linebacker Keith Bulluck (calf), tackle David Stewart (knee), tight end Alge Crumpler (rest), receiver Lavelle Hawkins (ankle) and defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth (knee).

Fisher said that only Cary Williams would definitely be out of Thursday's preseason finale in Green Bay.

Ups and downs

Quarterback Vince Young endured an inconsistent practice. He had several strong throws, but also suffered four interceptions — two each in 7-on-7 red zone and team drills.

E-mail Terry McCormick at sports@timesfreepress.com

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