WR NATE WASHINGTON COULD PLAY IN TITANS’ NFL SEASON OPENER

The Tennessee Titans are preparing to open the NFL regular season on Thursday night in Pittsburgh against the Superbowl champion Steelers and already they have to struggle with the impact of injuries to key personnel.  Of all their injuries none are potentially more specific than the hamstring injury suffered by wide receiver Nate Washington in practice on August 24th.  The most recent development, however, is a positive one for the Titans as Washington has indicated that he’s feeling better and there’s a good chance he’ll play in Tennessee’s opening game.

Washington suffered a sprained hamstring in practice, and has been receiving daily therapy in hopes of having him ready for Thursday’s NFL regular season opener.  As of Tuesday, he indicated to the media that the hamstring was ‘sore but not hurting’ and that it loosened up well after some stretching and warm-ups.  He’s currently listed as ‘questionable’ on the NFL’s official injury report, but will be reclassified on Wednesday afternoon.

Speaking to the local media, Washington was hopeful that he’d be able to play against the Steelers but indicated that the final decision was out of his hands:

"I don't know if I am going to play or not, that's up to coach Fisher. I'm pretty happy with the progress that I've made ... Nothing is holding me back right now."

Coach Jeff Fisher, meanwhile, was not giving any indication of his decision but spoke in generally positive terms about Washington’s recovery:

“I'm impressed with what he has done so far.”

Some sources close to the team are speculating that Washington’s true status is that of a ‘game time decision’.  They further speculate that Fisher and Washington could be trying to paint a more positive picture in order to force the Steelers to spend their time game planning for the Titans’ talented wide receiver.  Historically, Fisher has been cautious in similar situations and clearly there’s no reason for him to rush Washington back into action and risk further injury and more lost playing time if he’s not completely recovered.

The Titans signed Washington to a six year, $27 million contract in the offseason with $9 million guaranteed.  He’s expressed his desire to quickly make an impact on his new team:

"I want to come in and have an instant impact. Show not only the coaching staff but the whole Titans' Nation that this is going to be a new era."

Washington, along with first round draft pick Kenny Britt were brought in hoping to better diversify the Titans’ run oriented offense.  By establishing a downfield passing threat, it will presumably provide more ‘room to run’ for Tennessee’s star running back duo of Chris Johnson and LenDale White.