After playing the final 43 snaps of last week's loss to the Miami Dolphins in place of injured center Brian Schwenke, Tennessee Titans rookie Andy Gallik is preparing to make his first NFL start Sunday against the Atlanta Falcons.
While the Titans will miss Schwenke's presence in the lineup, left tackle Taylor Lewan said the team has a confidence in Gallik, a sixth-round pick out of Boston College.
“Andy knows this system, he’s going to get thrown in the fire and he has to produce at a high level. There can’t be any drop off,’’ Lewan said, per the team's official website. “I think he just needs to be good at being loud with his calls, communicate with everybody and we should be all right.
"I really like Andy. He has come a long ways. I am looking forward to seeing what he can do and he’ll do a great job.”
Gallik, a four-year starter at BC, credits Schwenke with helping ease his transition to the NFL. Schwenke was lost for the season after dislocating his ankle in the second quarter against Miami.
“He’s one of the first guys who really took me under his wing,’’ Gallick said. “The minute I got here after I got drafted he always helped me in the film room, on the practice field, with everything. I see him as an older brother to me.
“The guy has helped me so much.”
