--The battle for defensive end spots behind starters Kyle Vanden Bosch and Jevon Kearse continues to be interesting. Jacob Ford has impressed during practice and had a sack against the Rams Saturday night. William Hayes is a raw rookie, whose upside the Titans like, which could leave Sean Conover and Dave Ball fighting for a spot.

Ball and Conover both got a little extra work inside at defensive tackle against the Rams with Tony Brown on the shelf because of a sore shoulder.

--The wide receiver situation continues to be muddled behind starters Justin Gage and Justin McCareins. McCareins was out with a hamstring injury Saturday night, leaving extra reps for the many backups trying to distinguish themselves in a crowded field. Two young receivers needing to make an impression, failed to do so in the opener. Biren Ealy could not come down in bounds with a catch on the sidelines, and Paul Williams allowed a throw from Kerry Collins to go right through his hands.

BATTLE OF THE WEEK: It's probably not a battle yet, but it could shape up into one, as DT Tony Brown's absence with a shoulder injury Saturday night opened the door for rookie Jason Jones to get a start alongside Albert Haynesworth. The Titans rotate their defensive linemen, so both men will be strongly in the plans, but Jones should at least push Brown to stay atop the depth chart.

OTHER BATTLE FRONTS: Nick Harper suffered a mild concussion on the first play of the game Saturday night, allowing former starter Reynaldo Hill to see extensive time. Hill was victimized by Brock Berlin and Dane Looker on a 47-yard pass thrown between Hill and safety Calvin Lowry. That could open the door for fourth cornerback Eric King to challenge Hill as the top backup.

PLAYER OF THE WEEK: Quinton Ganther ran for 115 yards and two touchdowns on just eight carries. The two-year practice squad member needs to keep it up in order to pull the upset and land on the 53-man roster.

ROOKIE REPORT: Chris Johnson was as advertised on his 66-yard touchdown run against the Rams. He finished with 77 yards on six carries plus one catch for 13 yards. ... Second-round pick Jason Jones had a tackle for a 3-yard loss and looked good rushing the passer as well in the opener. ... Receiver Lavelle Hawkins didn't catch any passes, but did force a fumble on a kickoff return by the Rams.

INJURY REPORT: CB Nick Harper suffered a concussion on the first play from scrimmage in Saturday's preseason opener.

WR Justin McCareins continues to miss time with a hamstring injury, but should be back early next week.

The Titans are being cautious with WR Roydell Williams, who practiced for the first time last week after ankle surgery in January. Williams did not play vs. the Rams.

TE Dwayne Blakley could miss two to three week after suffering a groin strain during the joint practices with the Rams.

K Rob Bironas and P Josh Miller continue to be on the shelf with groin injuries.

CB Cary Williams was bothered by a quad strain and returned from that only to suffer a minor knee injury that has him out again.

DT Tony Brown missed several days of practice and the preseason opener with a sore shoulder.