Mularkey taking time to name Titans new starting cornerback
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) The Tennessee Titans have had nearly two weeks since releasing veteran Perrish Cox to figure out who will start opposite cornerback Jason McCourty.
Titans coach Mike Mularkey is taking his time to make that decision.
Mularkey said Friday will wait until Sunday when the Titans (6-6) host Denver (8-4) before revealing his new starting left cornerback. Those under consideration include Brice McCain, who's been working in the slot as an extra defensive back and veteran Valentino Blake. Rookies LeShaun Sims and Kalan Reed, who could make his NFL debut Sunday, could be part of a rotation.
''We're still going to talk about that,'' Mularkey said. ''We've got 48 hours to make that decision.''
Cox led the Titans with three interceptions before being released Nov. 28 , a day after the Titans beat Chicago 27-21 holding off a would-be comeback led by Matt Barkley. The Titans had their bye last week and have practiced four times since returning to work Monday.
McCain is an eight-year veteran who has started 36 of his 112 career games in stops with Houston, Pittsburgh and Miami. He has started six games this season for Tennessee and also has two of his 11 career interceptions this season. Blake is in his fifth NFL season and also has been with Jacksonville and Pittsburgh. He has three career interceptions.
The Titans have divided the practice work among the cornerbacks and also at the fifth defensive back spot. Mularkey said Blake and McCain's experience factors into the decision of who starts. One option could be starting McCain outside and then sliding him over to cover wide receiver in the slot in passing situations.
Another game-time decision will be defensive lineman Jurrell Casey who missed his fourth practice Friday with a sprained left foot and is questionable. Casey has missed only one game in his six-year career, the 2013 season finale with a foot injury. He sprained his foot in the second half against Chicago, though the bye has given him nearly two weeks to heal.
The Titans are holding out hope Casey can play, even if limited by the injury.
''We're fortunate to have the depth that we do, but if he can play, he's going to play. We may keep another defensive lineman up, if that's the case. Those are all things that are in the discussion all the way up to till 10:30 Sunday,'' Mularkey said.
Notes: DL Angelo Blackson (illness) did not practice Friday but is expected to play.
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