National Football League

Titans to evaluate TE Walker before trip to Denver

Published Dec. 6, 2013 8:53 p.m. ET

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The Tennessee Titans could be without tight end Delanie Walker on Sunday when they play the Denver Broncos.

Walker did not practice all week because of a concussion sustained early in last week's 22-14 loss to the Indianapolis Colts. He will be evaluated Saturday before the Titans (5-7) depart for Denver (10-2).

''He'll come in tomorrow and we can work him out and see where he is at,'' coach Mike Munchak said Friday. ''Tomorrow will be our final (evaluation). We're not going to wait until Sunday to work him out. We need to know before we get on the plane and go from there.''

Munchak said he would rather not have to play someone who didn't practice all week. But because Walker is a veteran, the Titans could use him in a limited package.

The eighth-year player ranks second on the Titans with a career-best 45 catches, and Walker has 454 yards receiving with five touchdowns. He was hurt when he hit his head on the turf at the end of a play officials ruled incomplete, only to have the NFL later say it should have been called a reception.

''I feel good,'' Walker said. ''The headaches went away, and that was probably the biggest concern.''

The Titans were already down a tight end before Walker got hurt. Craig Stevens wasn't active against the Colts because of his own concussion. That left Tennessee with only second-year tight end Taylor Thompson, and he has just three catches. The Titans used reserve offensive tackle Mike Otto to help block after also losing fullback Collin Mooney to a torn hamstring.

It got so bad offensive coordinator Dowell Loggains said they were busy trying to draw up plays using four wide receivers to compensate for not having a veteran tight end.

Tennessee should get Stevens back after he practiced for a second straight day Friday. Stevens is listed as questionable. Stevens said he's feeling good and has had a couple good days of practice.

The possibility of missing both Walker and Stevens prompted the Titans to sign veteran Visanthe Shiancoe on Tuesday for depth. Shiancoe has played for the Giants, Vikings and Patriots, and he impressed quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick on the first day of practice Wednesday with how quickly he picked up plays.

But Loggains said there's a limited package they can teach Shiancoe in a few days. Shiancoe said his experience allows him to recognize the concepts.

''They've been spoon-feeding me, pretty much,'' Shiancoe said. ''I'm going to ask for a bigger spoon.''

Notes: WR Damian Williams (hip) practiced and will be questionable Sunday along with RT David Stewart (shoulder), who was limited. WR Kendall Wright (ankle), P Brett Kern (back), LB Akeem Ayers (groin) and recently re-signed fullback Quinn Johnson (hamstring) all are listed as probable.

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AP NFL website: www.pro32.ap.org