Tennessee Titans quarterback Jake Locker returns to practice, unavailable for Week 7 – NFL News
Tennessee Titans quarterback Jake Locker returned to practice field on Wednesday, October 17, 2012. However he is not expected to play in Week 7 game against Buffalo Bills.
Titans coach Mike Munchak said after practice session that Locker would be able to play in Week 8 against Indianapolis Colts on October 28. Talking about Locker’s road to recovery, Munchak said:
"It was what we hoped he'd be able to handle. Now it's just to see how sore he got and keep progressing and giving him more to do. He's a guy you have to hold back. In his mind, he'd be able to play tomorrow if he had to play. We'll see how sore he got from
what he did today and keep adding more to his routine."
It was the first time that Locker participated in practice session since Week 4. He had a few snaps and spent most of the time doing individual drills which included warming up and rehabilitation exercises.
Locker has been experiencing problems with his shoulder since the start of the season. He started to feel pain on his left shoulder after the season opener against New England Patriots.
The quarterback was able to recover from that injury and did not miss any game. However, things went from bad to worse when Locker dislocated the same shoulder during Week 4 game against Houston Texans.
In absence of Locker, Titans are playing with backup quarterback Matt Hasselbeck. He has been impressive in two games he has played this season and will start in Week 7.
Even if Hasselbeck plays well on Sunday, it is likely that Locker will get his starting position back once he gets fit.
The offence has spent a great amount of playing time with Locker this season and is much more comfortable getting throws from him. Munchak said:
"We feel comfortable because the receivers, everyone he's so familiar with the offense that if he's ready to play next week that there wouldn't be any doubt he'd be the guy playing."
Locker has completed 67 out of 106 passes this season for 781 yards and four touchdowns.
Tags: