Craig

Stevens

“I tried to give it a shot and it was just a little too painful,” Stevens said. The blocking tight end has four catches through five games.

Despite his passing-game shortcomings, the Titans envision Stevens as an integral part of their offense as a run blocker and complement to catch-first TE Jared Cook. Stevens has only 20 receptions over the past two seasons.

Stevens can’t get over the hump with his troublesome rib injury. The Titans have no other surprises in their inactives.

The blocking complement to Jared Cook, Stevens hauled in nine passes for 166 yards and a touchdown in 2011, starting 11 of his 15 appearances. Set to turn 28 before the 2012 season, Stevens did not grade out well as a blocker according to Pro Football Focus, but the Titans apparently like his potential. Stevens’ re-signing may end aging third-stringer Daniel Graham’s tenure in Nashville.

Stevens played 25 total snaps in the first two games of the season, but was called upon for 49 snaps against the Lions. The usual blocking specialist will be a desperation flier if Cook misses time.

Stevens suffered cartilage damage in the win over the Browns. “The cartilage is painful — he doesn’t want to laugh a lot, which he doesn’t anyway,” coach Mike Munchak said. Stevens is a blocker, allowing Jared Cook to play his “move” tight end role.

The blocking tight end nearly gave it a go in Week 5, so he should be good for Week 7. Through four games, he’s made four catches for 73 yards.

The blocking specialist suffered the injury in the first half, and he’s not been back in the third quarter. He did have a 12-yard touchdown before the injury forced him from the game.

Stevens got the start, as expected, over the athletic rookie Taylor Thompson, but he saw just three targets. Stevens was used mainly for his blocking prowess, and he isn’t anywhere near being fantasy relevant.

Stevens filled in for Jared Cook (shoulder), catching two passes for 16 yards before going down. Raw rookie Taylor Thompson is next up on the depth chart. Stevens’ season is likely over with career-highs in catches (23) and yards (275).