Titans Get Good News About George’s Injury

Running back Eddie George has no structural damage in his injured left shoulder, and quarterback Steve McNair did no further damage to his strained right calf and sprained left ankle in the Tennessee Titans’ 20-17 playoff victory Saturday over the Baltimore Ravens.

George underwent an MRI exam, and had some soreness and swelling in his shoulder Sunday, a day after dislocating the joint while tackling Ed Reed, who was returning a pass interception.

George’s shoulder was put back in the socket by a team doctor on the sideline. He played the second half with a harness and finished with 88 yards in 25 carries.

Titan Coach Jeff Fisher said George had much more flexibility in his shoulder Sunday and was able to raise his arms.

“There’s not anything structurally wrong, which is good,” Fisher said.

“He’ll be ready to go with a harness this weekend. I’d be surprised if he doesn’t practice late in the week, which is good.”

Long snapper Ken Amato strained his right hamstring and hurt his left ankle, and left guard Zach Piller had a bruised chest and a mild knee sprain.

Also, cornerback Samari Rolle was doing better after sustaining a mild concussion, Fisher said.

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The Ravens, meanwhile, cleared out their lockers, disappointed about a quick playoff exit yet proud of the first division title in franchise history.

Coming off a 7-9 year and opening the season with a rookie quarterback, the Ravens (10-7) rode a stellar defense and the running of Jamal Lewis to the AFC North championship and a return to the playoffs.

“We challenged ourselves to be a playoff team this year, and as ambitious as that was with the youth that we have, we lived up to those expectations,” Coach Brian Billick said Sunday.

During the off-season, the goal will be to move forward by keeping the team intact.

“Our first priority in free agency will be to re-sign and maintain the integrity of this team, and we have reason to be optimistic that we can, more so than any point since I’ve been here,” said Billick, who’s taken Baltimore to the playoffs in three of his five seasons. They won the 2001 Super Bowl.

The Ravens will almost certainly seek to retain cornerback Chris McAlister, offensive tackle Orlando Brown, kicker Matt Stover and quarterback Anthony Wright, all of whom have contracts that expire after this season.