With the Titans eliminated from playoff contention and quarterback Steve McNair still struggling with a bruised sternum, Head Coach Jeff Fisher acknowledged Thursday the team may decide to rest the quarterback for the remainder of the season.

''If we make a decision not to play Steve the remainder of the season, then obviously we'll make that public,'' Fisher said. ''We're still talking about that right now, there's a lot of things to consider and we may very well have an answer for you tomorrow.''

Fisher said he and McNair will discuss the issue further Thursday evening and may reach a decision.

Fisher said McNair wants to be able to get on the field again before the season concludes.

''He loves the game and he wants to play,'' Fisher said. ''He wants to try to help us win.''

''These guys are here to play, they're not here not to play so if he's able to play he wants to play.''

However, Fisher said there are positives that could come from having McNair not play in the final three games.

''If you do not play him and you start the rehab in the offseason then he's going to be that much further along once the spring comes along,'' Fisher said. ''He needs an offseason where he can run around and lift and condition himself to put himself in the best shape he's been in.''

''That's possible with time during the offseason.''