Britt Practices in Full, Boiman Returns to Titans

Wide receiver Kenny Britt took part in his first full training camp practice Tuesday.* 

Training Camp Central
NASHVILLE, Tenn. --**
Recent injuries to Stephen Tulloch, Colin Allred and Josh Stamer have left the Titans thin at linebacker. The team responded today by signing linebackers Rocky Boiman and Tyson Smith. They released quarterback Alex Mortensen and cornerback Jeremy Haynes to make room.

It's Boiman's second stop in Tennessee. The former Notre Dame product played with the Titans from 2002-05 before winning a Super Bowl title in Indianapolis and later playing in Kansas City. Smith is a second-year pro from Iowa State who recently spent time with the Washington Redskins.

"Rocky was recently released by the Chiefs, is in great shape and understands what we are doing," head coach Jeff Fisher said. "We need help right now just because the numbers are down. Tyson worked out very well for us, too."

For Boiman, returning to Tennessee was "a dream come true."

"If there was one place I wanted to come, it was here," Boiman said. "To finally come back here after wishing for it to happen, it's going to be a good opportunity."

Both linebackers practiced with the team in shoulder pads today.

PENALTY ATONEMENT: After practice, select players ran sprints to atone for their penalties during Sunday's preseason opener.

"The penalties were obviously an issue, but we got them corrected," Fisher said. "We have some things yet that we have to get done in the next couple days. Our legs are starting to heal up and we are getting guys back on the practice field, so things are looking good for the weekend."

BRITT IN FULL ACTION: Top draft pick Kenny Britt was back in full pads for the first time this training camp, showing flashes of why he was so highly touted coming out of Rutgers.

"His offense in college was a pro style system. That's one of the reasons we drafted him because we saw him do things on tape," Fisher said. "He's picked things up fast, he's paying attention and he had no issues today as far as alignments and assignments. It's just a matter of getting used to it and doing it every day."

Britt even caught the eye of quarterback Kerry Collins when the two got a chance to work together during a four wide receiver set and in shotgun formations.

"Kenny looked good today," Collins said. "After being out a little bit, coming back in he seemed to know where to be and he ran good routes. He was in the right spots and that's encouraging for the first day."

Britt himself simply appeared happy to be back in pads and back with his teammates who encouraged him when he ran extra sprints at the end of practice. Britt feels that he is still a little slow coming out of breaks but is heading in the right direction. While it was difficult watching from the sidelines on Sunday, he knew he needed to put in a little more time and hard work.

"I'm a big competitor, a big motivator on myself and I beat down on myself," Britt said. "I always push myself, regardless of what happens."

TWO-MINUTE DRILL: The Titans ended practice today by working on the two-minute drill, with the first stringers finding great success through the air. During Sunday's game, quarterback Vince Young led the Titans to a touchdown just before halftime, giving Tennessee a 21-3 lead they held onto in the second half. It's proof that these two-minute drills pay off in games.

"It was good, it's a big emphasis with us and with Coach Fisher," Collins said. "He throws different situations at us and we have to respond and make good decisions. I thought we did that well today and fairly well all camp."

Justin Gage was often on the receiving end of Collins' passes today during two-minute drills, twice catching passes for long gains.

"No penalties, no turnovers, just make plays and keep the chains moving," Gage said. "Every time you are in two minutes, you want to find a way to get points on the board. The defense was leaving holes to my side and Kerry was finding them."

INJURY REPORT: Fisher said Tulloch, Allred, Stamer and defensive end Jacob Ford all have a chance to play in Saturday's game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at LP Field.

Running back Javon Ringer was held out of practice, but should be back tomorrow, as was tight end Alge Crumpler. Defensive tackle Jason Jones has a sore foot and was wearing a protective boot, and wide receiver Chris Davis, fullback Casey Cramer, wide receiver Mark Jones and punter Craig Hentrich all sat out.