Titans hope to settle on starting offensive line soon

Because of injuries and some obvious breakdowns in the preseason opener, the Titans' starting offensive line remains in a state of flux.

Andy Levitre may be the odd man out.

Levitre, who started all 32 games at left guard since joining the Titans in 2013, has practiced at second-team center. Byron Bell, who opened training camp at right tackle, has gotten considerable work at left guard, with seventh-year pro Jamon Meredith working at right tackle.

With starting center Brian Schwenke held out of Monday’s practice because of a minor foot injury, Fernando Velasco worked with the No. 1 offense at center.

Coach Ken Whisenhunt said he hopes to settle on a starting five sooner rather than later but added he doesn’t want to rush things.

“We’re looking for the right five, and we’re working on that,” he said Monday. “… It’s not something I think you can force because if you try to do that and it doesn’t work, then you’re going to be changing who knows how much, how often. It’s a little bit of give and take.”

When Bell was signed as a free agent in the offseason, he was penciled in at right tackle. He said the move to guard is a challenge but he believes he is capable of making the move.

“It’s a little tough but that’s why they call it pro football,” he said. “You’ve got to be a pro about it. You make the proper adjustments. I know what it takes to go from the outside with quick rusher to come in the middle with powerful guys. I’ve got to change the angles.”

On the move: Rookie running back David Cobb was encouraged by his strong showing in the preseason opener — and by Whisenhunt’s praise — but he doesn’t want to get carried away.

In fact, Cobb is setting his sights on a new goal.

“What I really want to do is show them that I can be a three-down back, stay on the field and block,” Cobb said. “That’s the biggest thing for me — not just running the ball, but showing them that you can be a three-down back.”

Cobb got off to a strong start against the Falcons, posting team highs of 11 carries and 53 yards. He rattled off runs of 8, 8, 7, 6 and 6 yards in his first five carries.

The performance was an important step for Cobb, who was slowed during the offseason and early in training camp because of a quad injury.

“I was happy to be able to hold up without a pull or an injury,” Cobb said. “It felt good to be able to be back in the game. It had been a long time so it was fun to be out there. I thought the guys up front and the fullback did a great job. They allowed me to get to the second level before getting touched.”

Whisenhunt said Cobb earned more reps with the first team.

Name game: The Titans signed veteran linebacker Andy Studebaker on Monday and, yes, he is a descendant of those whose name was attached to the automobile.

“No one sends me cars or checks,” he said with a smile.

Studebaker has played in 94 games over seven seasons with the Chiefs and Colts. The Titans signed him after linebackers Zaviar Gooden, Yannik Cudjoe-Virgil and J.R. Tavai suffered injuries.

“Going into my eighth year, I know what the demands are this time of year,” Studebaker said. “I was putting in my work at home and waiting for a call.”

Wide receiver Clyde Gates was cut to open a spot for Studebaker.

No panic: Veteran safety Michael Griffin urged fans not to panic over the secondary’s early struggles in the preseason opener. Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan was 6-of-6, with Julio Jones catching four of those passes.

“It’s too early. I wouldn’t be alarmed,” Griffin said. “It’s preseason. There was no game plan and that’s something you need to do against an offense like that.”

Injuries: Safety Da’Norris Searcy (knee) would have participated in practice if it was held outside instead of inside on artificial turf, Whisenhunt said.

Schwenke (foot) is expected back at practice by Thursday and cornerback Jason McCourty (groin) continues to make progress, according to Whisenhunt.