NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Tennessee Titans tight end Delanie Walker has suffered just about every injury there is during his 12-year NFL career. He considers himself fortunate that his worse one so far this season is a right ankle bone bruise that makes his status questionable on Sunday against the Baltimore Ravens.
Walker said it's something he "can deal with," but he won't commit to playing on Sunday.
"It's going to be how I can take the pain," said Walker, whose ankle injury on Oct. 22 against the Cleveland Browns looked far worse than it was.
The bye week came at a good time and coach Mike Mularkey had him rest during practice on Monday and Wednesday. Walker said he feels good and he's been known to fight through injuries. It wouldn't surprise anyone to see Walker have a big game Sunday.
Pain isn't the only thing Walker has had to battle this season. He's faced more attention on defense this season; double and triple coverage has been the norm. But Walker figures that's the price he pays for his talent and success.
"He's definitely a big attraction," Mularkey said, pointing out that teams occasionally blow coverages sending extra guys toward Walker. The Titans have missed some opportunities to capitalize on those breakdowns.
"It's been very difficult because those guys get paid too. So now I've got two dudes on me that get paid to cover me," said Walker, who has a team-leading 32 catches for 324 yards. "It shows that teams respect me."
Walker appreciates the respect, but he prefers single coverage. The Titans hope Corey Davis' returnwill present another weapon.
"Everyone's got to make plays and that's the only way that defenses will get out of those situations," Walker said. "We've got to put points on the board. This is the only year since I've been here that we haven't scored in the red zone like we have in the past."
