It is starting to be that time in the NFL. It is Week 5 and teams are starting to realize issues on the roster. Whether it be because of injuries or struggles, certain teams are beginning to dig deep into the depths of free agency to see who could be available to help out. As the Tennessee Titans begin to embrace the loss of Jake Locker for the foreseeable future, they are sifting through the remaining available quarterbacks to put on the roster.
ESPN's Adam Schefter reports the Titans have inquired about JaMarcus Russell to help replace Locker. The starter went down with a hip injury in Week 4. While initial reports looked very bad for the young quarterback, an MRI showed it to be just a sprain. The Titans have not given any kind of injury timetable, leaving them shorthanded at the quarterback position.
For now, the Titans are starting backup Ryan Fitzpatrick. Against Kansas City, Fitzpatrick went 21-of-41 in passing for 247 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions as Tennessee got the loss. The backup looked rusty and received little help from his teammates.
The Titans are in need of depth behind Fitzpatrick. They have considered several other options including David Carr and John Skelton. For now, Russell appears to be a likely choice and is receptive to the idea of joining the team. The former No. 1 overall draft pick back in 2007 has not taken a snap in a football game since January of 2010. The former Raider has been trying to make a comeback after dropping 51 pounds. He was offered tryouts by multiple teams, but never received a contract.
As of now, Russell is rehabbing a knee injury he sustained while working out. According to Schefter, he intends on continuing his attempt at a comeback after his knee is fully healed. He is working off a $3 million settlement he received from the Raiders back in July over his rookie contract.
With Fitzpatrick as the starter, the Titans promoted Rusty Smith off the practice squad. It is clear that Fitzpatrick is not a quality option as a starter, but neither is Russell. The Titans are simply buying time while Locker sits out the next four to six weeks with the injury. The backup certainly had opportunities to give Tennessee the win on Sunday, but his slow start was too much to overcome.
