Titans quarterback Vince Young could be done as the team's quarterback -- at least for this season.
An injured thumb that could require surgery might provide the medical reason for him not to play again in 2010. His behavior during -- and especially after the team's 19-16 overtime loss to Washington Sunday -- could be the real reason.
Fisher said there would be a quarterback change -- regardless of the reason -- with rookie Rusty Smith taking over because of a leg injury to veteran Kerry Collins. Smith replaced Young for most of the second half and overtime against the Redskins after Young tore a tendon in his right (throwing) thumb.
After not playing for most of the second half and overtime -- Young threw the ball on the sideline and took snaps from under center and in the shotgun formation and behaved as if he wanted to return to action -- Young removed his shoulder pads and jersey while leaving the field after the final whistle.
Coach Jeff Fisher said Young, a captain, threw this jersey and shoulder pads into the stands on his way to the locker room. Witnesses verified that police or stadium personnel had to retrieve Young's gear from the stands.
Roughly five minutes after the game ended, Young walked briskly from the locker room to the players' parking lot, dressed in street clothes. I followed Young, who I've interviewed several times and have a good relationship with. From less than two or three feet away, I called to him four times. He kept walking until he turned into a loading dock that led to the parking lot.
Teammate Michael Griffin, who played with Young at the University of Texas, came out of the locker room in gym shorts and chased Young down in the loading dock. They spoke briefly before the veteran safety came back toward the locker room, looking disgusted, as if saying, "Well, I tried."
Rusty Smith is not a fantasy option, but assuming Kerry Collins can return to action, the Titans have an extremely favorable pass schedule the rest of the way.
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