Titans defensive end Derrick Morgan celebrates defeating the Lions as the measurement by replacement official Bill Schmitz shows Detroit failed to make the first down ending the game during overtime on Sunday. (US Presswire)

Although a perception exists that a hands-off approach by the replacement referees has led to fewer defensive pass interference penalties through the first three weeks of the season, the numbers suggest otherwise.

There have been 68 defensive pass interference infractions or 1.41 per game, according to NFLGSIS.com. In 2011, defensive players were whistled for pass interference 235 times or 0.92 times per game. The frequency of defensive pass interference penalties has increased in every season over the past five years.

But the Titans are among four teams that haven’t been called for defensive pass interference this season. The Chiefs, Vikings and Ravens are the others.

Still, there have been grumblings that the replacements have been hesitant to blow the whistle after receivers are held past the 5-yard window. More than half the teams in the league (17) have been whistled for one defense holding call or fewer this season, according to statistics compiled by NFLGSIS. Last season, three teams (the Raiders, Browns and Cowboys) were penalized for defensive holding at least 10 times.

“It’s a different NFL right now with the refs,” WR Nate Washington said. “The same things that are being called with the normal refs aren’t being called right now. It’s been hard, you don’t get the same opportunities as you were getting back then.”

The Titans have been called for two defensive holdings, including one by CB Jason McCourty on a 27-yard catch by Chargers WR Malcom Floyd in Week 2. The penalty was declined by San Diego.

“Each game is different, some refs will call it real tight and some refs will let you play a lot,” McCourty said. “You just have to get a vibe of how the game is going. You just have to go out and play and however they call it, adjust to it.”

QB Jake Locker indicated that it could take a few weeks for defensive backs to dial back their aggressiveness as soon as the regular referees return.

“I’d imagine they’d continue to play the same way until maybe a few flags were called on them,” Locker said.

The NFL and its locked-out officials reached a deal Wednesday night to resolve their labor dispute.

Titans make roster move at defensive end: The Titans placed DE Keyunta Dawson (hamstring) on IR and signed DE Pannel Egboh on Wednesday. After making the 53-man roster at the end of the preseason, Egboh was released on September 11.

“He (Dawson) worked so hard, it’s something he should be proud of what he’s accomplished here,” Munchak said. “I’m sure most people didn’t think a lot of him making the roster. He was contributing in a big way, the best thing for us to do was to put him on injured reserve.”

Egboh spent last season on the Titans’ practice squad. In training camp, Egboh received frequent snaps with the first-team defensive line.

“I think he’s so familiar with what we’re doing, he’s a guy that can come in on a short week and help us,” Munchak said.

McCarthy, Britt and Cook miss practice: LB Colin McCarthy (ankle), WR Kenny Britt (ankle) and TE Jared Cook (shoulder) did not participate in team drills but worked out individually with team trainers Wednesday.

“We were hoping he was able to do more today,” said Munchak of McCarthy. “Now it’s just a matter of how quickly his ankle responds to being on the hard surface, being on the ground, cutting and those kinds of things.”

Munchak indicated that Cook is progressing well and could return to practice Friday. Munchak did not indicate if Britt will practice Thursday.

For more up-to-the-minute news and analysis on the Titans, follow Matt Rybaltowski @CBSTitans.