Former University of Washington star Jake Locker practiced for the first time since dislocating his left, non-throwing shoulder, and coach Mike Munchak said the Titans’ quarterback is on target to return when Tennessee hosts Indianapolis on Oct. 28.
Locker, the No. 8 overall pick in 2011, loosened up Wednesday by throwing a few short balls before working in individual drills.
Locker also threw during seven-on-seven for the defense for his first practice since dislocating his left shoulder Sept. 30 for the second time in four games.
“It was what we hoped he’d be able to handle,” Munchak said. “Now, it’s just to see how sore he got and keep progressing and giving him more to do. He’s a guy you have to hold back. He wants to be out there. In his mind, he’d be able to play tomorrow if he had to play.”
Ex-Seahawk Matt Hasselbeck will start Sunday for the Titans with Locker scheduled to return to the starting lineup against the Colts if there are no setbacks.
CURRY RETURNS
Linebacker Aaron Curry returned to practice with the Oakland Raiders for the first time since May after dealing with nagging knee problems.
Curry, the No. 4 overall pick by the Seahawks in 2009, began the season on the physically unable to perform list and was unable to practice for the first six weeks.
He made his first appearance on the field Wednesday, starting a three-week window for Oakland to decide whether to activate him, release him or place him on season-ending injured reserve.
“He looked good,” coach Dennis Allen said. “He moved around well. I think the key is to see how he responds tomorrow, and we’ll continue to monitor him as we go through the week.”
Curry was acquired by Oakland last year for a seventh-round pick in 2012 and a conditional fifth-rounder in 2013.
EXTRA POINTS
Ravens coach John Harbaugh said there’s a glimmer of hope injured linebacker Ray Lewis could return this season. The 13-time Pro Bowl selection suffered a torn right triceps last week and was thought to be out for the season. ... Baltimore linebacker Terrell Suggs, the reigning NFL defensive player of the year who has yet to play this season after tearing his Achilles in late April, participated in practice for the first time since the injury, albeit on an extremely limited basis. ... Cincinnati rookie cornerback Dre Kirkpatrick, the No. 17 overall pick out of Alabama, is getting close to his injury-delayed debut. Kirkpatrick hurt his knee during the summer, and coach Marvin Lewis said “it’s possible” Kirkpatrick could make his debut Sunday against Pittsburgh. ... The NFL is again urging a federal judge to avoid interfering in commissioner Roger Goodell’s efforts to discipline four players for the Saints’ cash-for-hits bounty pool. One of those players, linebacker Jonathan Vilma, practiced with the Saints for the first time this season.
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