Tennessee Titans running back Chris Johnson made several catches in traffic during Monday's practice two days after suffering from a case of drop-itis in Saturday's preseason opener at Seattle.
Johnson had a handful of drops on screen passes in the defeat, including one on a third down early in the first quarter that ended a Titans' drive. Coach Mike Munchak indicated that the series of drops by the All-Pro back were out of character.
“It's disappointing, guys don't do it on purpose,” Munchak said. “We work on catching balls and we do it over and over again. Hopefully we won't see it again.”
Johnson wasn't the only player to have a dropped ball in the loss. Wide receiver Damian Williams stretched for a Jake Locker pass on a fourth down in the second quarter, but couldn't make the grab. In the fourth quarter, tight end Taylor Thompson caught a short pass from quarterback Rusty Smith, but fumbled it deep in the Titans' own end. Thompson needed to do a better job of securing the ball, Munchak said.
“That is an example where he got held up,” Munchak said. “I’m not sure if he was hoping the whistle was going to get blown before he got tackled, but it wasn’t and they punched it out. It was a good learning experience for him.”
Durand stands out with trap block: The Titans were backed up to their own 5-yard line late in the second quarter on Saturday when guard Ryan Durand made a nice backside trap block against a Seahawks defensive back. It sprung a massive hole for running back Javon Ringer, who got the Titans out of trouble with a 20-yard run.
Durand has seen time in practice with the first team throughout training camp as veteran right guard Leroy Harris battles persistent knee problems.
“That was a case when he came around and the guy whom he normally has to block was already blocked, so he took himself out of the play,” Munchak said. “He continued up the field at a defensive back, which I’m sure he much preferred. It was a chance at a big play right there, and that’s what you have to get when you’re there.”
McRath misses practice with knee soreness: Linebacker Gerald McRath missed Monday's practice with soreness in his knee, but the injury is not considered serious. Cornerback Terrence Wheatley (hamstring), tight end Brandon Barden (hamstring) and defensive end Dave Ball (concussion-like symptoms) were also out.
Wide receiver Kenny Britt (knee) and safety Markelle Martin (knee) remain on PUP. Munchak is still unsure if Britt will return to team drills next week. The Titans coach has yet to consider if Britt will be available for the Titans' preseason finale vs. New Orleans on Aug. 30.
For more up-to-the-minute news and analysis on the Tennessee Titans, follow Matt Rybaltowski @CBSSportsNFLTEN.
