Titans defensive tackle Tony Brown and cornerback Cortland Finnegan played their first pre-season game against the New Orleans Saints on Thursday night.
Brown signed a three-year extension in April, but he was placed on the Physically Unable to Perform list for for nearly all of training camp due while he was recovering from offseason knee surgery. He returned to practice on August 31st and was able to join the Titans defensive line rotation in the final pre-season game on Thursday.
“It felt great to get back out there with the guys and just play,” Brown said. “I still have some things to work on with my footing, but it felt real good. It was fun to get back out there with the team and get back after it.”
Cortland Finnegan struggled against the Saints offense. The Tennessean reports that former Titan Patrick Ramsey was able to complete a ten yard pass at Finnegan’s expense early in the game.
Finnegan was later flagged for defensive pass interference which gave the Saints offense 39 yards. He was beaten for 29 yards by Robert Meecham on a third down play and also gave up 21 yards to Lance Moore.
“I didn’t expect that, but that’s what happened and it wasn’t good,” Finnegan said. “Four and a half, or five weeks out and my first two days back-pedaling again were this week.
“But no excuses, I just gotta play better football. I chalk it up to being not very good. No rust, just not very good.”
“It’s just one of those days.” He added.