McNair, George Lead The Titans Into Surgery
By Larry Stone January 7, 2002

Titans quarterback Steve McNair and running back Eddie George will lead at least four other Titans into surgery this week.

McNair will undergo surgery Thursday on his right shoulder in attempt to clean out his joint and to remove a bone spur that has been troubling the quarterback for several years

'It's to create a little more space between the shoulder cavity and the rotator cuff,' Fisher said. 'Middle part of the season, it troubled him which I believe led to some of the back difficulties because he was compensating.'

Fisher said the surgery will keep McNair sidelined for six-to-eight weeks.

'It's very realistic that he's at full-speed and participating with 100 percent arm strength in the May mini camp,' Fisher said. 'In a lot of ways, this is to ensure that we don't have problems in the future.'

Doctors will scope George's ankle this week as well. Fisher termed it a 'minor' procedure.

'It could set him back a month, maybe six weeks,' Fisher said. 'He needs to shut down and rest anyway and this is something that's going to help him do that.'

'I would anticipate that Eddie will have his best off-season of his career.'

In addition to McNair and George, doctors will also scope defensive tackle Joe Salavea's shoulder, cornerback Dainon Sidney's knee, both of offensive lineman Gennaro DiNapoli's shoulders and both of Jason Fisk's elbows.

'That should do it unless anything comes up in the next month or so,' Fisher said.

Doctors completed their annual end-of-season physicals on the entire Titans roster Monday before the team departed Baptist Sports Park.