After helping the Tennessee Titans to a 35-34 comeback win over the Buffalo Bills, Matt Hasselbeck will make another start at quarterback in Week 8 against the Indianapolis Colts.
Should we be reading into this?
It's probably premature for that. Jake Locker still is working his way back from a separated shoulder, and it makes sense that the Titans would opt for a more conservative approach after he hurt the same non-throwing shoulder twice in a three-week span.
But Hasselbeck's strong play against the Bills in his third start of the season had to make Tennessee's decision even easier. Locker is making progress, according to coach Mike Munchak (via The Tennessean), but the Titans are looking for "great improvement" in the next MRI. Locker told The Associated Press that he had his latest round of tests Monday but didn't know the results.
According to Locker, once doctors see more healing around his shoulder," then the discussion about being able to come back becomes a little more serious."
Munchak reiterated that Locker will return and the starting job is his once he's healthy. Of course, there's some room for interpretation on that last part.
If Hasselbeck can play like he did in Buffalo, don't be surprised if Locker's timetable extends a bit further. Locker's still the future, but Hasselbeck is getting it done in the present.
Follow Dan Hanzus on Twitter @danhanzus.
