Brown's ankle is improving, but this might be the week that second-round pick Jason Jones gets his first NFL start. Jones is getting a decent amount of reps as the third tackle, and even if Brown can't go, the Titans are more comfortable with him in there than they would have been having to insert underachiever Randy Starks last year.

--The Titans are comfortable with their starting lineup, and a defensive line that often dictates the tempo, but an extra linebacker set that takes cornerback Nick Harper off the field in inserts linebacker Ryan Fowler into a 4-4 set, has been getting more situational play the past few weeks against running teams like Minnesota and Baltimore. The Titans might opt to employ it some this week as well, given that AFC rushing leader Larry Johnson is the Chiefs' primary weapon.

PLAYER NOTES

--DE Kyle Vanden Bosch did not practice Wednesday because of a strained groin, but said he can't imagine not making the start on Sunday against the Chiefs.

--DT Tony Brown did not practice Wednesday as he continues to battle a sprained ankle. Brown is out of the walking boot. If he cannot go, rookie Jason Jones is poised to make his first start.

--WR Justin Gage continues to miss practice time while recovering from a right knee injury. He missed the Titans' win at Baltimore on Oct. 5, but could return to practice before the week is up.

--RB LenDale White could see his reps increase back to more of an even split, after getting only three carries at Baltimore and 11 the week before against Minnesota. Chris Johnson is still expected to get the majority of the carries.

--CB Reynaldo Hill is back from the hamstring injury that kept him out against Baltimore. Hill's value is on special teams, as he is the team's No. 4 cornerback on defense.

GAME PLAN: The struggling Chiefs' weaknesses play right into Tennessee's strengths, as Kansas City quarterbacks have already been sacked 15 times this season and have thrown eight interceptions. The Titans must stop Larry Johnson on the ground, then make Brodie Croyle beat them with the passing game.

The Chiefs defense, which is ranked last against the run, will get a healthy dose of Chris Johnson on Sunday from the Titans, who love to run the football and use play-action to help protect quarterback Kerry Collins. Two rookie cornerbacks for the Chiefs should be another advantage for Collins, and help the Titans maligned receivers gain another shot of confidence.

MATCHUPS TO WATCH: Titans LB Keith Bulluck vs. Chiefs TE Tony Gonzalez. The Titans held Gonzalez in check last season, limiting him to three catches for just 17 yards. Bulluck won't likely be on him exclusively, but figures to see his share of battles against the veteran Kansas City tight end on Sunday in the short passing game.

Titans DT Albert Haynesworth vs. Chiefs RB Larry Johnson. Johnson leads the AFC with 417 yards rushing, but Haynesworth can be a dominant force inside when he's playing his best. If Haynesworth and the Titans can limit Johnson's effectiveness, it will help a dominant pass rush tee off on Croyle.

INJURY IMPACT: Kyle Vanden Bosch has been bothered by a groin injury, but Wednesday said he could not imagine a scenario where he wouldn't play. Even so, the Titans might be wise to give Vanden Bosch, who almost never comes out in the rotation, a few more plays off, meaning that Dave Ball could see more time. Ball was effective in Baltimore with four tackles as Vanden Bosch was knocked out with a groin injury in the first half of the game.

If DT Tony Brown is limited or cannot go, the Titans can turn to rookie Jason Jones without a dramatic drop-off. If Brown cannot go, it would force Kevin Vickerson, who has been inactive most games this season, onto the game-day roster.

WR Justin Gage continues to be a question mark with a knee injury. Brandon Jones stepped up with three catches for 54 yards in his stead against the Ravens. Beyond their top three receivers -- Gage, Justin McCareins and Jones -- the Titans are still a bit thin.