Titans cornerback Jason McCourty out vs. Panthers with groin
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) Tennessee Titans cornerback Jason McCourty said he is ''still compiling information'' before deciding whether he needs a second surgery on his injured groin, one that likely would end his season.
McCourty initially suffered a groin injury Aug. 6 and had surgery Aug. 24, costing him all preseason and the first three games of the regular season. He returned after the Titans' bye, but the injury flared up again in the same spot forcing him to leave a game Nov. 1 against Houston. He missed last week's win in New Orleans and is out against Carolina (8-0) on Sunday.
Since then, McCourty and the Titans (2-6) have sought multiple medical opinions, and a final decision on the veteran cornerback's status is expected next week.
''I'm assuming by then I would be able to make a decision as far as the season and the whole nine,'' McCourty said Friday. ''I don't think it'll be a tough decision for me. It'll probably be cut and dried. I don't think it'll be up to me to say that you can push through it. It'll probably be decided for me.''
Titans interim coach Mike Mularkey said they're just giving McCourty a few more days before making a decision.
McCourty said his overall health is the most important issue.
''Just to be healthy, period. To me that's the key goal, to be healthy. Whatever that entails at this point,'' McCourty said.
Wide receiver Kendall Wright will miss a second straight game due to a sprained MCL in his left knee.
Cornerback Perrish Cox is questionable and will be a game-time decision for the Titans. Cox said Friday he made a mistake trying to return too soon from the injury. Cox has missed two full games and couldn't finish two others since Oct. 18 when he first was hurt against Miami.
''It's one of those frustrating injuries that I've never had before,'' Cox said. ''I wish I would have (pulled back) a couple of weeks ago. But you just never know. . I believe it was a bad decision for me to go out there.''
Running back Dexter McCluster returned from an ankle injury after missing two days. He practiced fully Friday and is probable against the Panthers. Cornerback Blidi Wreh-Wilson, who missed last week with an injured hamstring, is questionable. Linebacker Zach Brown (knee) returned to practice Friday after sitting out Thursday and is probable.
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