For all the changes in Tennessee this offseason, the one guy who has seemed safe is quarterback Jake Locker.
But Locker said he’s not taking anything for granted, even though he has a mandate from the owner.
“You are competing for a job every day, whether you are announced the starter or not. So it doesn’t change how I approach day in and day out, and it won’t change how I go to practice. I am always pretending I am competing for a job because you are pushing yourself that way,” Locker said, via Jim Wyatt of the Tennesseean. “It is nice to know you have the support. . . .
“I have tried to do everything the right way since I have been here and work hard to help our team have success, and I am excited about that opportunity to do it again this year.”
Locker’s still in a walking boot after surgery for a Lisfranc injury, and hasn’t put weight on the foot yet. He’ll have another surgery later this month to remove the hardware, and hopes to be cleared by OTAs in June.
Locker has always had the tools, but hasn’t had a consistent approach offensively, and hasn’t been able to stay on the field. If he can remain upright, the pairing with new coach Ken Whisenhunt could do for him what it did for Philip Rivers in San Diego last year, which would justify the confidence.