If the best ability is availability, then Moise Fokou has won the Tennessee Titans middle linebacker, says head coach Mike Munchak.

Fokou, signed as an unrestricted free agent from the Indianapolis Colts, has been running with the first team all through OTAs, mini-camp and all but one day of training camp. On that one day, incumbent Colin McCarthy ran with the first group and injured his hamstring. He hasn't practiced since.

“Right now, (Fokou is) our starter, unless something changes between now and three weeks. I don't know what's gonna go on with Colin. But right now, he would be our starter. I don't know if Colin will be practicing this week, and next week. It all depends on how that plays out,” Munchak said. “I'd like him to play. I would think he would want to play too. I think if he's healthy enough you want to get him on the field.”

McCarthy missed nine games last year with a high ankle sprain and then a concussion. It sounds as if McCarthy has nearly waited too late to be the starter for the opener, rendering the competition moot.

“You want to get him on the field. I think it helps the players to get some playing time in, especially guys who haven't done anything in so long, where all of a sudden, you're in a game and things are going pretty fast,” Munchak said. “It takes awhile. I don't care who you are. If you haven't played in a while, and you step into Pittsburgh, and you're gonna play well – that's not easy to do.”

It sounds as if Fokou has won the job by default.

“He's the best linebacker that's lined up and practiced everyday,” Munchak said.

