Lewan added to active roster; running back moved to IR

A roster exemption allowed the Pro Bowl left tackle to practice this week following completion of his four-game suspension

Christopher Hanewinckel/USA Today Sports

Taylor Lewan has cleared the final clerical hurdle required to make his four-game suspension for violation of the NFL’s policy on performance-enhancing substances a thing of the past.

The Titans officially added the Pro Bowl left tackle to their 53-man roster Friday. The suspension ended Monday, and the team received a roster exemption that allowed Lewan to take part in all team activities for several days.

“Anytime you’re put in a situation like this you have two choices,” Lewan said Monday.” You can let it beat you up or you can grow from these types of things. I believe I’ve grown from it.

“I prepared as much as I could for the opportunity coming up Sunday. I’m excited to be back. It’s a unique feeling.”

To make room on the roster, running back David Fluellen was placed on injured reserve. Fluellen missed time during training camp with a knee injury and recently has had an issue with a hamstring. He appeared in two of the first four games as a backup on offense and a special teams performer.

Veteran backup Dennis Kelly played in Lewan’s place at left tackle each of the first four weeks. It was the first time in his career, which began in 2012, that he was a starter at that spot. For his career, he has started right tackle (14 games), right guard (four games) and left guard (two games) in addition to seven contests during which he was lined up as an extra tight end for his team’s first offensive snap.

“Dennis stepped in there and did a heck of a job and competed,” coach Mike Vrabel said. “He was put into a tough spot having to switch over full-time over there. That’s something we appreciate, everything Dennis does for us.”

Lewan played 62 out 64 games over the past four years and has been selected to each of the last three Pro Bowls. His return is considered a boost for the offense, which ranks 14 in rushing, 27 in passing and 13in scoring.

“These guys have been in it,” Lewan said. “They’ve been in the grind. For me to come back in after four weeks, kind of fit back in to what they’re trying to do … there’s been a lot of time for reflection, that’s for sure. My biggest focus is (Sunday).”