NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Neither Titans coach Jeff Fisher nor quarterback Kerry Collins will say the veteran is starting Sunday against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
However, all signs pointed that way Friday.
Collins took the full complement of first-team practice reps again and was listed as probable on the Titans' injury report. Rookie quarterback Rusty Smith made his first NFL start last Sunday for Tennessee with Vince Young on season-ending injured reserve and Collins nursing a calf injury.
"Kerry was better today. We're encouraged. We'll see how he warms up," Fisher said Friday. "He's gotten plenty of reps. We'll see how he feels. It's different getting ready to warm up and practicing than it is getting ready to warm up and play a game. So we'll see how he is."
Collins sounded optimistic about his chances of starting Sunday and said the calf is feeling better.
"I'm feeling good," he said. "I've been able to kind of continue to do more and more every day ... So, hopefully, Sunday will work out so I can play. I'm getting real close."
The defensive line also is a concern for the Titans, with five of the eight players there listed on the injury report.
Tackle Jason Jones (knee) and ends Dave Ball (concussion) and Jason Babin (ankle) all fully practiced Friday. Jones and Ball are listed as questionable, and Babin is probable.
Defensive tackle Sen'Derrick Marks (ankle) is doubtful, and defensive tackle Tony Brown (knee) is questionable. Neither practiced Friday.
Kicker Rob Bironas (groin) and linebacker David Thornton (hip) both had full practices and are listed as probable for Sunday's game. Safety Michael Griffin also is probable after missing Friday's practice with an illness.
Cornerback Alterraun Verner (knee) and wide receiver Kenny Britt (hamstring) practiced and are questionable. Defensive back Ryan Mouton (hamstring) didn't practice, but he's also listed as questionable.
Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press
