Leroy

Harris

Newly acquired Steve Hutchinson will be the left guard, where he’s played his entire career. Harris, 28 in June, is coming off knee and shoulder scopes, but should be 100 percent by training camp. Harris took a step forward last season, but struggled as a run blocker. He’ll need to iron that out in order to be an effective right guard, where effective run blocking is required.

According to coach Mike Munchak, Harris will be “fine.” It’s possible Harris won’t be ready for OTAs, but he should be 100 percent before camp. After a disappointing 2010, Harris started all 16 games for the Titans last season. He graded out as the league’s sixth-best guard in Pro Football Focus’ rankings.

They’re purely looking for interior prospects after LG Leroy Harris, free agent RG Jake Scott, and C Eugene Amano comprised the least effective trio in the NFL last season. Scott won’t be back in 2012, and the Titans may look to upgrade at the other two spots. Wisconsin C Peter Konz, Stanford OG David DeCastro, and Georgia G/T Cordy Glenn are the top interior prospects.

Harris re-joined teammates for Tuesday’s practice. Expected to move from left to right guard this season, Harris should have a lock on the starting job after the Titans failed to bring in veteran competition. He remains a weakness in the running game.

The Tennessee medical team is hoping Harris’ ACL will heal with rest and rehab, and that he’ll be able to return later in the season. If the healing doesn’t go smoothly, he may require a knee reconstruction. Kevin Matthews got the right guard nod in Week 9 against the Bears and will continue to start.

Harris will undergo surgery to repair a partially torn ACL after getting a second opinion on Tuesday. A free agent in 2013, Harris has an uncertain future in Nashville. His pass-blocking left a lot to be desired in the first half of the season. Kevin Matthews is expected to take over as the starter.

“I’m not angry,” said Scott. “This is my decision. It is a business and it is my decision not to be on a team right now.” Scott started 121 consecutive games through 2011 and graded out as a top-10 guard by Pro Football Focus last season. Titans RG Leroy Harris, his replacement, was yanked late in the opener in favor of Kevin Matthews.

While the team initially feared the worst, the injury doesn’t sound like it will be season ending. Kevin Matthews will get the start at RG for the Titans while Harris is sidelined.

Coach Mike Munchak declined to provide a firm timeline. Harris “felt like his knee gave out” on the first-quarter injury against the Colts, and he did not return. OL coach Bruce Matthews’ son, Kevin, will start in the interim.

“We don’t know how Leroy’s knee is,” coach Mike Munchak said. “His leg got tangled up, I think. Hopefully, it’s not bad.” Harris will go for an MRI on Monday. Kevin Matthews replaced him for the final three and a half quarters.