The Titans took a look at a couple of veteran free agent quarterbacks early this week as they waited for word on the severity of Jake Locker’s hip injury.
David Carr and John Skelton both came in to work out for the team, but neither one of them is going to be joining the Titans to back up Ryan Fitzpatrick while Locker is out. With the determination that Locker doesn’t need surgery and should be able to return in a few weeks, the team has decided to elevate Rusty Smith from the practice squad to be their backup.
“We’re very confident in Rusty, and Rusty knows our system very, very well,” coach Mike Munchak said, via Jim Wyatt of the Tennessean. “He’s been here the last three years with [offensive coordinator Dowell Loggains] and he’s very comfortable with him. He has a strong arm, and he always plays well in preseason. You have to find a guy that you’re comfortable with if [another injury] were to happen this weekend. You have to have a guy you feel can win the football game.”
Smith, a sixth-round pick in 2010, has played three games with the Titans over the last three years. He made one start in place of an injured Vince Young in 2010 and threw three interceptions in a 20-0 loss to the Texans.
Skelton appears to have bounced back from getting passed over as he’s expected to sign with the 49ers after they parted ways with third quarterback B.J. Daniels on Tuesday.
