McNair practices, finger much improved

NFL.com wire reports


NASHVILLE, Tenn. (Sept. 18, 2003) -- Tennessee quarterback Steve McNair practiced and felt improvement with the dislocated ring finger on his throwing hand.

McNair injured his finger in the Titans' 33-7 loss to Indianapolis when he caught his hand on Chad Bratzke's equipment. The finger was more swollen and sore on Sept. 17 and limited him to just a few passes early in practice.

On Sept. 18, McNair took part in each drill and said he was surprised his finger felt so much better.

"A lot of the soreness went out last night, and I felt good in the walkthrough this morning, so I feel like I can be able to go," McNair said. "It felt a lot better. I put a lot of zip on the ball. I wasn't as accurate as I wanted to be, but that's going to come. I still have a couple days."

Coach Jeff Fisher said McNair threw very well and even took several snaps from the center with no problem. McNair is listed as questionable for Tennessee's game with New Orleans (1-1) because of his finger and his left knee, which he sprained in the opener, but he should play.

"I don't anticipate any problem at this point unless he injuries it again," Fisher said. "He threw pretty well."

Right guard Benji Olson (right knee) did not practice, and neither did defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth (left elbow