Jamie

Harper

Johnson looked good running, though he still hasn’t done much cutting. As long as there’s no soreness on Friday, coach Mike Munchak expects Johnson to be “fine and a go” for Week 16 versus the Jaguars. Munchak indicated that backup Jamie Harper will likely see the same carry total that Javon Ringer took on a regular basis, a sign that Johnson is still a good bet for 15+ touches.

Even though Javon Ringer (hand) is out, the Titans aren’t adding a running back to the active roster. Harper, a one-cut power runner, is capable of playing on some third downs and filling a change-of-pace role. Still, we wouldn’t expect more than a handful of touches in Indy this week.

Ringer’s hand is likely fractured. He has more X-rays scheduled for today and the Titans are expected to move forward with Jamie Harper as Chris Johnson’s backup.

The procedure is expected to end Ringer’s season, leaving Jamie Harper as the Titans’ No. 2 back. Chris Johnson should be assured of 20+ touches in a dream matchup against the winless Colts.

Despite some early-week rhetoric that Harper would see a big boost in reps this week, it didn’t happen. Chris Johnson’s ankle was fine and the rookie was a strict backup. He did get the call as the power back from one yard out and converted for his first career touchdown.

Munchak mentioned Herb Donaldson as a candidate to back up Jamie Harper should Johnson sit out, though the Nashville Tennessean gets the sense CJ1K will be “OK” for the Jaguars game. Tests were negative, and he “should be fine.” We’ll have a better read on Johnson’s status after mid-week practices, but early signs suggest he’ll be a RB2 option again on Sunday.

After a big preseason, Harper finished his first NFL regular season with just 44 yards and one touchdown on 17 carries, playing third fiddle behind Chris Johnson and Javon Ringer until Ringer’s late-season injury. Harper has an intriguing skill set for a future third-down back because he pass blocks well and can catch. We don’t see him as a great long-term prospect, however. Harper should return as the team’s No. 3 back in 2012.

Johnson is expected to play, but the Titans are preparing backup Jamie Harper for more work than usual. “We’re assuming Harper will get more carries than he normally would - just because we’re assuming C.J. will be somewhat not himself,” Munchak said. We’ll know more after Thursday’s practice, but for now Johnson is shaping up as a risky RB2.

Starter Collin Mooney is dealing with a minor knee injury. A full-on position switch shouldn’t be in store for Harper, but it’s proof that he’s firmly behind Javon Ringer on the depth chart, with Darius Reynaud gaining ground.

Harper saw just two carries last night, but he capitalized on the goal-line score after Chris Johnson couldn’t punch it in. With Javon Ringer (knee) out, Harper is the clear back-up to CJ?K. It was the Titans’ first rushing touchdown of the season.