Titans make switch a middle linebacker

Stephen Tulloch has been made the Titans' starting middle linebacker. File

Ryan Fowler said Thursday he had no indications that he was about to be removed as the Tennessee Titans’ starting middle linebacker. He also said the switch to Stephen Tulloch appears to be permanent.

Fowler was demoted before Wednesday’s practice in favor of Tulloch, who will start beginning with Sunday’s game with the Minnesota Vikings.

“It definitely came as a shock to me. It went from there is no competition, to skip the competition part altogether and to replacing me without any warning,” Fowler said.

Fowler won a competition for the job with Tulloch in training camp despite a strong training camp in 2008 from Tulloch. Coach Jeff Fisher repeatedly insisted that Fowler’s hold on the job was strong.

On Thursday, Fisher only said the Titans “like the matchup” with Tulloch against the Vikings, but the change is expected to be long-term.

“Yesterday, they just asked me to come into coach Fisher’s office and told me that they were going to go ahead and move Tully up for this week,” Fowler said. “That was pretty much it. There wasn’t a whole lot of discussion about it. From what I understand it was indefinitely, but they didn’t really put a timeframe on it.”

Fowler admitted he had had some issues in preseason that needed to be addressed regarding his play, but said coaches had given him nothing but accolades in grading him in the first three regular season games.

“In the preseason, I was experimenting with a couple of different things, technique-wise,” Fowler said. “I was sort of trying to become a little more finesse-y, and they told me they didn’t want that. I think their exact words were, ‘Dance with what brought you.’ So from that point on, I tried to be more of a downhill, hammer-type player and weekly checked in with them to make sure I was improving on that.”

Through three games, Fowler has 18 total tackles, including 11 solo stops. The total tackles ties him with Keith Bulluck for the top spot among Titans linebackers and has him tied for third on the defense overall in tackles.

“They mentioned something about production, but from a production standpoint right now, I’m at the top of the leaderboard for linebackers in tackles and I only play about half the plays,” Fowler said. “Maybe they meant interceptions or fumbles. But I don’t think a couple of coaches or management would make this decision too hastily. They sat down and thought about it, and decided that this is what’s best for the team. I can’t blame them for doing what they think is best for the team.”

Bulluck said it is a tough situation for Fowler, who lockers right next to Tulloch.

“I think that’s just the nature of this business at times. It’s not necessarily about an individual and it’s nothing personal, but it’s all about somehow finding ways to make the team more efficient,” Bulluck said. “That’s how I see it. I think Ryan is playing great football, probably the best football he’s played since he’s been here, being as it’s his second year in the system.

“I have confidence in both of those guys. I have confidence in Tully and Ryan, so it’s a tough situation for the coaches as well as those two.”

Tulloch was not available for comment Thursday, but Fowler said he wishes him well on Sunday.

“They probably have the best interests of the team at hand. I’m not mad about the change. I’m a little a disappointed with the way it took place, without any warning,” Fowler said. “I’m still going to be rooting for the Titans on Sunday, and whatever role. I certainly don’t wish anything bad on Tully at all. This certainly has nothing to do with anything he did other than play well and try hard. I’ll be rooting for him.”

The switch to Tulloch affords the Titans a faster, more athletic option in the middle, and Fowler acknowledges that. He just says he is disappointed in the handling of the change.

“We’re all here to try to win and if there is something that I’m doing that’s wrong or if there’s something I could do more or better, then I certainly would have appreciated knowledge of that before such a drastic decision was made,” Fowler said. “I think had I known, and still there’s really not a clear answer to what it is, other than they need to find a way to get him on the field. I’ve been proactive throughout the preseason and the season asking coaches how they felt about my play.”

Fowler said he will continue to work hard in preparation for the next opportunity, which likely won’t come barring an injury to one of the starters.

“I’ve asked for some feedback as to what I can do to get back on the field, but at this point, I don’t think there’s a whole lot that I can do personally except get ready and work on my speed and quickness while I’m down, so that if I ever do get a chance, then I’ll be maybe more prepared,” Fowler said. “I think now I know they want a little bit more speed. I’ll start working on those things, but I was focusing on being the hammer they wanted me to be. I thought I was on the right track. But I guess there was some communication lost in there, and it’s probably my fault for not paying close enough attention.”

UNCLEAR: The issue of quarterback Vince Young’s return still remains shrouded in mystery. Young has been throwing and practicing drop-backs after practice, while wearing a brace on his left knee, but Fisher offered no timetable for his return or where he will be on Sunday. Young was in the coaches’ box last week against Houston.

“If he’s able to play we will put him in uniform. That’s the question we have to answer before game time. As far as where he’s going to be, I haven’t decided yet,” Fisher said.

Young’s chances of playing against the Vikings would appear to be nil, and Fisher did not answer when asked if Young would need to practice before appearing on the sideline in uniform as an available player.

INJURIES: Running back LenDale White did not finish practice because of a shoulder injury and was added to the Titans’ injury report.

Nick Harper, who said he was out Wednesday because of a thigh bruise, was back at practice as a full participant on Thursday and said he would be a go on Sunday.

Also, receiver Justin McCareins was back after missing Wednesday because of a groin injury.

Running back Chris Henry, out with an illness Wednesday, practiced on Thursday as did defensive end Kyle Vanden Bosch, who was given Wednesday off.