ALAMEDA – Raiders cornerback David Amerson took a helmet near the chin late in a loss to Atlanta. It was a violent exchange, one that made medical personnel see red flags.
He was removed from the game and placed in the NFL's concussion protocol, but Amerson didn't consider it a big deal.
"It wasn't really a blow to the head," Amerson said on Thursday. "I got hit below my chin, and it was more like getting knocked out. That was the main thing. I was knocked out for a minute. With the trainers on their job, they were being very cautious after that happened."
Amerson was cleared to practice and is expected to play Sunday's game against Tennessee.
"I feel good," Amerson said. "I feel normal, ready to go."
Amerson has had three concussions including this week's issue -- one as a rookie and another the following year.
"I've been fortunate. I've had concussions, but I don't think I've had any that would be considered severe or crazy where it's career ending," Amerson said. "They've been minor things. I'm fine right now. I don't feel any different."
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Having Amerson available is key for a Raiders defense needing better pass defense. Amerson has been the only steady member of the back four thus far.
It's increasingly likely Menelik Watson will be ready to go. He practiced again in a limited capacity on Thursday, a day after his return from a groin injury.
Austin Howard, however, missed his second straight practice on Thursday, making it unlikely he'll be able to play against Tennessee. He originally sprained an ankle in the preseason finale, but was active in Week 2 with Watson and Matt McCants (knee). McCants remained out for a second straight week.
Darius Latham returned to practice after missing Wednesday's work with a knee injury, though he was limited
Raiders participation report
Did not practice: OT Austin Howard (ankle), OT Matt McCants (knee)
Limited practice: C Rodney Hudson (knee), RG Gabe Jackson (knee), RB Taiwan Jones (knee), CB David Amerson (concussion), OT Menelik Watson (groin), DL Jihad Ward (hip), DT Darius Latham (head)
Titans participation report
Did not practice: G Chance Warmack (finger)
Limited practice: TE Delanie Walker (hamstring), OLB Derrick Morgan, WR Kendall Wright (hamstring)
Full participation: CB Valentino Blake (chest), CB Brice McCain (knee), TE Phillip Supernaw (back)
NOTE: Titans OLB Chance Warmack moved to injured reserve.
