Justin Hunter's hearing moved to Sept. 1

Titans wide receiver Justin Hunter's preliminary hearing for a felony assault charge stemming from a July incident in Virginia Beach, Va., has been moved to Sept. 1.

It was originally scheduled for Sept. 3, but Hunter's defense team requested a change in date, according to the Commonwealth's Attorney's office. The Titans host the Vikings at Nissan Stadium that day in their fourth and final preseason game.

Hunter turned himself into police in his hometown last month after being charged with malicious wounding in connection with a fight that took place at the Sandbar Surf Bar during the Fourth of July weekend. He was released on a $25,000 secured bond.

Prosecutors allege that Hunter repeatedly punched a man in the face. The alleged victim suffered a broken jaw, among other injuries.

If convicted of the Class 3 felony, Hunter could face a prison term of five to 20 years and a fine up to $100,000.

Entering his third season in the NFL, Hunter has impressed Titans coach Ken Whisenhunt during training camp. The former second-round pick has struggled since being drafted out of Tennessee in 2013 with 46 catches on 110 targets and seven touchdowns in 26 games.

"He’s been trending up," Whisenhunt said Monday. "The big thing is that he’s got to stay consistent. That’s what we’ve got to see, and we need to see that in games. I’m proud of Justin for how he’s taken this challenge, so it’s good to see him have some consistency."

Reach Adam Vingan at 615-259-8023 and on Twitter @AdamVingan