Will

Witherspoon

Witherspoon is due a pricey $3.5 million and has been replacement level at best as a starter the past two seasons, but Casillas doesn’t project as more than a reserve and special teamer. Witherspoon could end up facing competition in the form of a draft pick.

Brown saw some first-team action on Thursday, but only because starter Will Witherspoon was excused. Titans coaches have been impressed with Brown’s speed and ability to pick up the playbook, but he figures to take on a situational role during his rookie season. Gerald McRath is also in the mix for weak-side reps.

Colin McCarthy is locked in as the three-down middle linebacker and Akeem Ayers is on the strong side. Witherspoon will have to hold off second-round rookie Zach Brown to keep his job. He had 56 tackles and two sacks in that role last year.

It’s been reported that McCarthy has a high ankle sprain. Will Witherspoon got the start at middle linebacker against the Chargers, with rookie Zach Brown on the weak side. Witherspoon racked up 11 tackles (six solo), one sack, and a forced fumble, and could continue to be a big-time IDP as McCarthy remains out.

The Titans are really thin at linebacker. Colin McCarthy’s ankle woes continue to linger, Patrick Bailey has a broken rib and Zac Diles broke his right leg on Sunday. Look for them to add a linebacker shortly.

McCarthy has missed the last two games and sounds unlikely to play against the Texans in Week 4. “He’s running a little bit, doing things like that,” coach Mike Munchak said. “It’s just a matter of how he progresses the next three or four days as he’s doing football-like activities.” Will Witherspoon has 20 tackles, one sack and a forced fumble as the fill-in middle ‘backer over the last two weeks.

Middle linebacker Colin McCarthy has returned from his high ankle sprain, and second-round rookie Zach Brown has replaced Witherspoon at weak-side linebacker. Witherspoon can be safely dropped in IDP leagues. McCarthy has resumed his every-down role, playing 60-of-69 snaps in the loss to Minnesota.

Witherspoon’s hammy is ready, but his role is in doubt. Zach Brown, Akeem Ayers and Colin McCarthy are all healthy and in need of snaps. Witherspoon doesn’t project as an IDP asset.

Blast from the past. Witherspoon starred with the Rams from 2006-09, but the tank is running on “E” at 33 years of age. The 12-year veteran started all 16 games under coach Jeff Fisher in 2010 with the Titans. He recorded 47 tackles as a backup in 2012. His visit to St. Louis is his first known trip of free agency.

Wow. Witherspoon has come on strong in recent weeks and is worth owning in most IDP leagues.