Titans' Gage has fractures in back

Wide receiver Justin Gage will likely be out at least this week because of multiple fractures of the transverse process bones in his back.

Gage suffered the injury while landing after making a leaping 33-yard reception on the decisive drive against the San Francisco 49ers in Sunday’s 34-27 victory.

“Justin Gage has multiple fractures of the transverse process bones. It’s just a matter of healing. He is unlikely to play this week,” Titans coach Jeff Fisher said. “He is getting better. Things have to settle down. He is obviously very uncomfortable.”

The injury is similar to one suffered by former Titans linebacker Peter Sirmon in 2003. Sirmon wound up missing two games when he had the injury.

In layman’s terms, those are the bones that stick out on the left and right side of the spinal cord.

“It’s nothing neurological or nerve related, but it happens sometimes, especially with that type of impact,” Fisher said.

Gage had his best game of the season Sunday with four catches for 97 yards. He has 22 receptions for 302 yards this season.

With Gage sidelined, the Titans will start rookie Kenny Britt for the
second time this season. Britt started the season opener in Pittsburgh while Nate Washington was limited with a hamstring injury.

Britt said he is ready for the challenge and has been spending extra time studying with new starting quarterback Vince Young this week in preparation.

“He’s showing me all the ropes. We’re studying film together and he’s showing me defenses and what I need to do,” Britt said. “The first thing he said to me after the game when we knew Justin was hurt a little bit and he might not go, was, ‘Hey, get ready and come watch some film with me.’”

Britt has 20 receptions for the Titans for 296 yards, but has only three catches in the past four games with limited work. Britt played just 12 snaps against the 49ers on Sunday.

“I’m definitely looking forward to it, just to go out there and show them what I can do as a rookie, that when it’s time to step up, I can step up,” Britt said.

Gage's injury means the Titans are thin at the receiver position with only four currently on the active roster, something that could force a roster move closer to game time. Behind Britt is Lavelle Hawkins.
They have Dominique Edison, who was on the roster earlier this season, on the practice squad.

Harper cleared

Cornerback Nick Harper said Thursday he has been cleared for contact, as he practiced fully for the second consecutive day as he makes his way from a surgically repaired broken forearm.

Now the issue is getting Harper ready to take and dish out the impact that comes with playing.

“I am cleared for contact, but in this league, you don’t hit [in practice]. The only time you can get contact is at game time. So I am cleared, but I’ll still probably be a game-time decision,” Harper said.

That’s why the Titans are still taking a cautious approach with Harper’s return..

“It’s just one of those things where you take day-by-day. The more I use it and just get comfortable with putting it out there again, that’s the main thing,” Harper said. “They want me to feel comfortable. As a corner, if you can’t use both hands, there’s no sense in you going out there.”

Other injuries

Cornerback Cortland Finnegan returned after sitting out Wednesday’s practice to rest his healing hamstring. Fisher said he expects Finnegan to play on Sunday against the Bills.

Running back Javon Ringer, who has missed two weeks with a back injury, was back and practicing fully on Thursday. Running back LenDale White missed a second straight day with an illness.

Defensive end William Hayes was added to the injury report as the Titans rested him because of a groin condition.

Linebacker David Thornton was limited with a hip injury for the second straight day, while tackle David Stewart remains sidelined by his hamstring injury.

Tackle Mike Otto and defensive end Jevon Kearse both were limited Thursday with knee problems after practicing fully on Wednesday.