Fowler still has value to the Titans, who like to employ extra linebacker sets in certain formations against teams like the Ravens who like to pound the football. Fowler also is a key on special teams, as that was how he made his mark initially in the NFL with the Dallas Cowboys.

Whoever plays linebacker will have an easier time than Titans teams of several years past, because of the prowess of the Tennessee front four.

Defensive tackle play in particular has been impressive for the Titans, with Albert Haynesworth and his sidekick Tony Brown. Haynesworth already has five sacks this season after having only six in his breakout season last year. Brown is showing up more and more, winning his one-on-one matchups both against the run and rushing the passer from the inside.

PLAYER NOTES

--RB LenDale White did not practice on Wednesday because of a sore shoulder. White cut short his practice last Thursday because of the shoulder, but played Sunday against Minnesota. White could be on the verge of becoming more of a short-yardage back, as the Titans need to get dynamic rookie Chris Johnson more than just half the touches from the running back position.

--WR Justin Gage wore a knee brace on his right knee and missed Wednesday's practice. Gage has emerged as a favorite target for quarterback Kerry Collins, catching five passes Sunday against the Vikings for 92 yards. His 12 receptions are second on the team, even though he missed a game against Houston two weeks ago.

--CB Reynaldo Hill, a key special teams player for Tennessee, did not finish Sunday's win over the Vikings because of a hamstring injury and did not practice on Wednesday.

--WR Lavelle Hawkins, who looked to be making strides, now appears to be more of a project who might take some time to develop. Hawkins has the skill-set to be a productive receiver, but was inactive for the third time in four games Sunday and still has much to learn about the intricacies of route-running, of which offensive coordinator Mike Heimerdinger is a stickler for.

GAME PLAN: Brian Billick is no longer around the Baltimore Ravens, but the team still employs the same style it did under him, at least in terms of aggressive defense.

That means the Titans will have to earn their yards, especially on the ground and will have to do a good job of protecting Kerry Collins. Collins has been sacked only once thus far this season, and has made good decisions about when to throw the ball away.

As for the defense, the Titans don't blitz that often, believing their front four can get a consistent pass rush without compromising the defense on the back end. But the Titans will probably want to confuse the Ravens as much as possible, disguising things for rookie quarterback Joe Flacco to decipher while trying to make decisions at the line of scrimmage and in the pocket. It should be a good chess match for defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz this week against such an inexperienced quarterback.

MATCHUPS TO WATCH: Titans C Kevin Mawae vs. Ravens LB Ray Lewis. Two wily veterans square off in this, as the Titans would like to get Mawae and their interior offensive line onto the second level to keep Lewis in check. Bart Scott and others might be more talented players at this stage of Lewis' career, but he is still the heart and soul of the Baltimore defense.

Ravens WR Derrick Mason vs. Titans CB Cortland Finnegan. It isn't certain how much the Ravens will move Mason around, but if the former Titan winds up matched up against Finnegan, it could be worth watching as much for the trash talk and high energy from these two players as it will be from watching a savvy veteran try to work against one of the NFL's best emerging cornerbacks in Cortland Finnegan.

Titans QB Kerry Collins vs. Ravens S Ed Reed. Collins has been spectacular thus far protecting the football, with only one interception and one sack. However, he will have to account for Reed, who is still one of the NFL's best ball-hawks with a knack for making big plays, especially against the Titans.

INJURY IMPACT: WR Justin Gage's knee was in a brace on Wednesday, and Titans coach Jeff Fisher declared all the players who were out as a "day-to-day" situation. Gage has quickly gotten on the same page as Kerry Collins in their short time working together.

P Craig Hentrich's back was acting up, forcing him to miss Wednesday's practice. The Titans have been down this road before, having to sign punter Josh Miller for a few weeks last season. Hopefully, it won't be serious, because the roster space could be harder to come by this time with the Titans carrying three quarterbacks on their active roster.