Titans expect QB Jake Locker (thumb) back Sunday vs. Texans

Tennessee Titans quarterback Jake Locker, who missed his second consecutive game on Sunday due to a thumb injury, is expected to play Sunday against the Houston Texans, head coach Ken Whisenhunt said Sunday.

After Sunday's 19-17 loss to the Washington Redskins, Whisenhunt said Locker's thumb was sore after practicing during the week. He was listed as limited on the injury reports, and ultimately, Whisenhunt said he decided to keep the quarterback out to avoid turnovers.

"Obviously you worry about him turning the ball over and putting one on the ground if you miss a snap or do something with ball handling,'' Whisenhunt told reporters Sunday. "That's ultimately what made the decision."

Locker has spent much of his four NFL seasons injured. The former first-round draft pick has played in just 27 of a possible 55 games in his career. 

Whisenhunt said though he expects Locker to start on Sunday, he added "until we get out there and practice, I don't know that for sure."

Veteran Charlie Whitehurst has started in place of Locker in the Titans' last two games, and has made three total starts this season. In Sunday's loss, he completed 17-of-26 passes for 160 yards with two touchdowns and an interception. On the season, he has now completed 60.2 percent of his passes for 764 yards with five touchdowns and just two interceptions. He's posted a record of 1-2. 

The Titans have gone 1-3 in Locker's four starts. He's completed 58 percent of his passes for 764 yards. This season he has thrown four touchdowns and four interceptions.