April 29, 2010

Fisher: Johnson Will Eventually Come To Practice

Even though the majority of the roster has shown up for the voluntary Organized Team Activities at Baptist Sports Park, the main storyline has been about Chris Johnson's decision not to attend.

Titans head coach Jeff Fisher said he expected the running back would eventually leave Orlando and join his teammates in Nashville this offseason -- with or without a new contract.

''He is under contact, and I am concerned about the players that are here, not the ones that are not,'' Fisher said. ''I would love for everybody to be here. I don't think you can substitute outside the building the workload that we get done here. It is obvious and has been documented over the years but there’s always exceptions and I hope that CJ is taking good care of himself while he is not here.''

Johnson has not been the only player absent from the practices. Tight end Bo Scaige and linebacker Stephen Tulloch have both missed the first two OTA's. Tulloch has yet to sign his one-year tender offer. Scaife signed his tender offer earlier this offseason.

''Obviously they are taking advice from their agent,'' Fisher said. ''So it is what it is.''

''I am not going to get into negotiations right now. Hopefully we can get things worked out.''

Meanwhile, offensive tackle Michael Roos was excused from practice for personal reasons while several other players missed Thursday's OTA session for rehab. Defensive tackles Jason Jones [shoulder] and Tony Brown [knee] were both out, as were Safety Michael Griffin [shoulder], Wide Receivers Kenny Britt and Mark Jones, Running Back Alvin Pearman, Cornerback Rod Hood and Linebacker David Thornton [shoulder].

Fisher said none of the player's injuries were serious, however the team wanted to take simple precautions to keep injuries from lingering into training camp.

posted by Jonathan Hutton on 4/29/2010 4:20:44 PM