NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- The Tennessee Titans exotic smashmouth running attack came back to life Sunday in a 198-yard rushing performance against the Houston Texans, and they want to keep it that way.
The Titans signed Luke Stocker to upgrade the blocking tight end spot. It'll be a two-year contract, a source told ESPN's Adam Schefter. Stocker was released by the Buccaneers in November after spending the better part of seven seasons with the team.
Stocker worked out for the Titans last week. He will fill the roster spot of defensive end DaQuan Jones, who was placed on injured reserve with a torn biceps.
Stocker, 6-foot-6, 253 pounds will bring an element to the Titans offense that they've needed there since losing Anthony Fasano to free agency in March. Titans coach Mike Mularkey said Stocker has a lot of similarities to Fasano.
Mularkey loves running two and three tight end sets with the secondary tight ends primarily helping out as a run blocker or pass protector. Stocker, who attended the University of Tennessee, has made a career from being a strong run blocker and has the versatility to play fullback and catch passes as well.
This shouldn't affect the snap counts or role of veteran playmaker Delanie Walker. He will remain a central cog in the Titans offense. It will help the Titans transition rookie Jonnu Smith into more of a receiving tight end role, asking less of him as a blocker.
Walker aggravated an ankle sprain and may miss some practice time, but he's not in serious danger of missing game action yet.
Stocker had three catches for 18 yards and a touchdown in nine games (four starts) for the Bucs this season.
