John Glennon

jglennon@tennessean.com

Titans fans should expect to see rookie running back Bishop Sankey earlier and more often this week against Cleveland, according to coach Ken Whisenhunt.

Whisenhunt said on his radio show on 104.5-FM on Tuesday that Sankey – the top overall running back selected in the draft last May – will likely get more reps against the Browns than he has so far this season.

Sankey has been on the field for 22 and 29 snaps over the last two weeks, more so than any other Titans running back. He's carried 16 times for 95 yards in those contests and added three receptions for 32 yards, sparking the Titans to two of their better drives – both in the second half.

"You will see (more reps for Sankey). That's coming," Whisenhunt said on the show. "And I think you'll see more of that earlier in the game this week.

"I think one of the things that does get lost is that he had more snaps in the game last week than any of our running backs. That game a little one-sided quickly, so maybe it wasn't as evident, but he was in there earlier."

Whisenhunt has had issues with Sankey's footwork at times in the preseason and early in the season. He's expressed concern that it can lead to problems with the hand-off exchange, which could in turn lead to fumbles.

But Whisenhunt said he's seen improvement in that regard from Sankey.

"There's only so much that a young guy, you can throw on his plate, because you want him to continue on this curve where he is improving and getting better," Whisenhunt said. "He's made strides and done some of the things we've asked him, and in turn, he's going to get more reps and they're going to be earlier in the game. He's going to get in the game earlier no matter what because he's a good football player, but that's coming."

Through four games, Sankey has rushed 24 times for 123 yards (5.1-yard average) and one touchdown.