A rough first game of the season for the Tennessee Titans got a whole lot worse during the fourth quarter of Sunday's tilt against the New England Patriots.
Titans quarterback Jake Locker and wide receiver Nate Washington both were hurt on a pass that originally was called a fumble by Washington, then later overturned to an incomplete pass.
Locker hurt his left, non-throwing shoulder while trying to make a tackle. The Titans' training staff put some sort of protective device on the sideline on Locker's shoulder while Matt Hasselbeck entered the game. Washington, meanwhile, had to be helped off the field after taking a shot to the head.
Locker was able to throw passes on the sideline after Hasselbeck entered the game, which bodes well for his future prognosis. However, despite Locker being deemed questionable to return, Hasselbeck finished the 34-13 loss at quarterback for Tennessee.
UPDATE: Locker told reporters afterward that he believes he could have re-entered the game, but the Titans' medical staff decided to keep him on the sideline, according to The Associated Press.
Both Locker and coach Mike Munchak said they believe the signal-caller will be healthy to play next week against the San Diego Chargers.
Follow Gregg Rosenthal on Twitter @greggrosenthal
