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December 16, 2011

Colts prepared for Hasselbeck or Locker

Tom James Tribune-Star Correspondent

INDIANAPOLIS — The Indianapolis Colts defense is preparing to face a two-pronged offensive attack when the Tennessee Titans visit Lucas Oil Stadium Sunday.

Either veteran Matt Hasselbeck or rookie Jake Locker will get the start at quarterback and both offer specific skills that could give the Colts problems.

Hasselbeck is not known as a scrambler out of the pocket but can keep plays alive with his mobility behind the line of scrimmage. Locker, meanwhile, can present all sorts of issues with his legs and his arm.

“You have to assess both [Hasselbeck and Locker. Hasselbeck has been around for a while and the reports are that we think he will be there and be ready to go,” coach Jim Caldwell previewed Thursday.

“So that’s what we’ll prepare for. But, also, we’ll take a look at Locker as well, and make certain that we get prepared for him also.”

Hasselbeck is nursing a sore left calf that he hurt in last week’s home loss to New Orleans. Locker has been getting most of the work behind center this week but Titans first-year coach Mike Munchak is going to wait before formally announcing a starter.

Hasselbeck started and went the entire way in Tennessee’s 27-10 win over the Colts at Nashville’s LP Field on Oct. 30. Locker, though, remains a bit of a mystery.

The former University of Washington quarterback, who has been bothered by a sore chest, saw extensive playing time against the Saints last week after Hasselbeck left with the calf injury. It would be his first regular-season NFL start if he got the call Sunday.

“[Locker is] very fast and he’s pretty explosive outside of the pocket, as was demonstrated last week on his touchdown run. But he can also throw the ball,” Caldwell said.

“He made some impressive throws as well. He’s got good touch, and I just think he’s a pretty complete guy. So he does pose a lot of problems for you.”

I I I

n Johnson running well — Despite the Colts’ problems in stopping the run against the rest of the league over the years, the team has done a pretty good job in the past at slowing down Tennessee running back Chris Johnson.

In six career games against Indianapolis, Johnson has rushed for 408 yards and two touchdowns. Tennessee has a 2-4 record against the Colts games that Johnson has played. He has averaged 68.0 rushing yards per game, 32.0 receiving yards per game and 3.7 yards per carry.

Still, as evidenced by recent games against the rest of the NFL, the fleet-footed runner is still a dangerous weapon in the Titans’ offensive arsenal.

“[The Titans are] taking advantage of his skill set, and I think he’s back in his groove,” Caldwell said. “He looks pretty good to me. He’s still just as explosive as ever. They’re getting the ball in his hands quite a bit, both in the passing game and also handing it to him as well. He’s still like lightning in a bottle.”

n Injury list — It’s still uncertain whether weak side linebacker Philip Wheeler (foot) will be available for Sunday’s game. Wheeler was injured in the second half of last week’s loss to the Ravens.

“He is day-to-day,” the Colts coach said.

Caldwell said the same thing about tight end Dallas Clark (burner) chances of playing against the Titans.

Clark, who had missed three game with a broken fibula, was injured in last week’s loss to Baltimore.

“Dallas is day-to-day and hopefully he’ll continue to improve,” he added. “He’s improving, but we’ll see how fast.”

Wheeler, Clark, defensive end Jamaal Anderson (groin), linebacker A.J. Edds (ankle), defensive end Robert Mathis (knee), and center Jeff Saturday (rest) did not practice on Thursday.

 

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