The Titans will seek an outside opinion on quarterback Billy Volek's throwing shoulder.

''We're going to seek some outside advice with some specialists to make sure we do the right thing,'' Head Coach Jeff Fisher said. ''We're not going to rush this.''

Volek suffered a third-degree separation in the shoulder during the fourth quarter of Tennessee's win over Detroit.

''It has an impact on the entire shoulder, the rotator cuff, all of those types of things,'' Fisher said.

Fisher said the Titans would likely have just allowed the shoulder to heal had it not been his throwing shoulder. Dr. Burton Elrod will talk with other physicians about Volek's shoulder. Fisher said about half of the known cases around the league have had surgery, half have not.

''Surgery is a possibility, but that's not the conclusion we've come to yet,'' Fisher said. ''We just want to make sure.''

Volek finished the season ranked seventh among AFC quarterbacks. Volek threw for 2,486 yards with 18 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. Volek's passer rating finished at 87.1.

''Billy plays with a lot of poise,'' Fisher said. ''That, in itself, carries a lot of weight from the staff standpoint and the team standpoint. He just makes the plays.''

Despite the absence of Steve McNair, Fisher said Volek's eight starts will be invaluable to the team and to the Fresno State product.

''He will look hard at his play this year, because that's the way he is,'' Fisher said. ''He's very critical of himself. He's got a good foundation at which to look at and try to improve.''