Harper Expects To Return Monday Night

By Jonathan Hutton November 21, 2009

Titans cornerback Nick Harper said he expected to return to the starting lineup Monday night in Houston.

The veteran corner has missed the last month with a broken forearm, the same injury safety Vincent Fuller returned from two weeks ago. Harper said he would wear a wrap on his right arm during the game for extra protection.

''I talked to Vinny and it's a mental thing,'' Harper said. ''If you can get past having a plate in your arm, you should be able to go out and play how you're supposed to play if you can get past all that.''

Titans head coach Jeff Fisher was not as direct about Harper's status following the team's final practice before Monday's game, but added there was no reason to list him as questionable.

''If we get to the point where Nick is going to play, he's going to play,'' Fisher said. ''It should all be behind him. He's had a very good week.''

Harper would replace Rod Hood in the starting lineup, a corner who has three interceptions in as many games throughout Harpers absence. The decision on who to start opposite Cortland Finnegan, especially due to the Texans air attack.

Texans quarterback Matt Schaub and wide receiver Andre Johnson have given opposing defensive coordinators have made Houston the NFL's third-rated passing offense. The Texans have averaged 284.1 passing yards-per-game thus far, and throttled the Titans in Week 2 with 357 yards through the air, including four touchdowns.

The Titans are scheduled to take on the Houston Texans Monday night on Titans Radio. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 Central.