NASHVILLE – Tennessee Titans outside linebacker Derrick Morgan is expected to play in the team’s season opener Sunday against the Dolphins in Miami, but the Titans’ top two draft pick are out due to injuries.
Titans coach Mike Vrabel said Friday that Morgan, entering his ninth NFL season, would have no injury designation on Sunday. That will be just three weeks after he reportedly sustained a torn meniscus in his right knee in a preseason game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
“He’s a veteran, and he knows how to take care of his body,” Vrabel said. “He knows how to recover. He understands that this game is a physical game and one that takes a toll on your body. But he also understands how to get back out there quickly. I really do appreciate his rehab and his efforts to come back in what amounts to about 18 days.”
Neither inside linebacker Rashaan Evans, who injured a hamstring on the third day of training camp, nor outside linebacker Harold Landry, who injured his right ankle in an exhibition against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Aug. 25, practiced Friday. Evans was taken 22nd overall out of Alabama, while Landy was 41st overall out of Boston College.
Also out are right tackle Jack Conklin, who continues to work his way back from surgery in January to repair his left ACL, and backup safety Kendrick Lewis, who has not practiced since hurting his foot in the preseason against Tampa Bay. Conklin was removed from the physically unable to perform list on Sept. 1.