An MRI taken on Tennessee Titans C Eugene Amano on Friday revealed that the nine-year veteran has suffered a torn right triceps.
Amano will be out for the season, coach Mike Munchak said after Saturday's practice. Amano suffered the injury on Thursday night when the inner-part of his right arm collided with a defender's helmet.
The Titans brought in several veteran centers in the spring during free agency, but Amano entered training camp as the starter at center.
“It's disappointing,” Munchak said. “Those things are very rare, it seems like with lineman. It's kind of strange how it happened. He knew right away. The player usually knows right away. There's no doubt he's depressed and disappointed, because we had good talks during the offseason. I think he was excited about competing and winning his spot no matter who we brought in to compete with.”
C Fernando Velasco entered training camp as the third-string center but has taken snaps with the first team during the last two days of practice. Velasco, a swing lineman, received his only career start at Dallas in 2010. He also received extensive playing time later in the season at Houston after Amano was sidelined with an injury.
“Fernando is very comfortable; he's been there quite some time in this system,” Munchak said. “He's a big kid; he's handled it well. The quarterbacks are very confident in him. It's a good opportunity for him.”
C Kevin Matthews remained out on Saturday with concussion-like symptoms. Munchak is hopeful Matthews will return to practice Wednesday following the Titans' joint practice Monday with the Falcons.
Matthews, the son of Hall of Fame offensive guard and offensive line coach Bruce Matthews, is itching to return to the lineup. Last August in training camp, Matthews rushed back to practice after suffering a severe ankle sprain. It may have helped him earn a final spot on the 53-man roster.
“For him it's in his bloodline; he's a competitor he loves the game,” Munchak said. “He came in as a free agent and has a done a very good job. He did the same thing at Texas A&M: He walked on and earned a scholarship his first year. He knows what hard work is all about.”
Britt making progress
Wide receiver Kenny Britt completed a series of station work with strength and conditioning coach Steve Watterson in the right corner of the south end zone at LP Field during Saturday's scrimmage.
Britt has resumed running but could start making cuts and changing directions as soon as this week. Munchak did not set a timetable for when Britt may be taken off PUP. The fourth-year wide receiver underwent arthroscopic surgery on his left knee last month. Britt previously had two surgeries on his right knee since last fall.
“We're happy where he's at; he's progressing as well or better than we hoped,” Munchak said.
Wright receives first work in team drills at camp
WR Kendall Wright took part in 11-on-11 drills for the first time since agreeing to terms on a four-year deal with the Titans on Tuesday.
Wright was prohibited from appearing in team drills over his first several practices, according to league rules. Earlier in the week, Wright wore a red jersey to avoid contact. The rookie from Baylor also fielded punt returns Saturday.
“I think he was embarassed to be in the red," Munchak said. "He was begging me yesterday not to wear it. It's good to have him getting into it now.”
Wright nearly caught a touchdown on an out route along the left sidelines but was ruled out of bounds as he made contact with the pylon. On the ensuing play, Wright broke inside in the end zone as a pass from quarterback Matt Hasselbeck landed behind him.
“I just had a mindset to come out here and make some plays,” Wright said. “[I didn't make] as many as I wanted to. I made some; that's all that matters.”
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