Daren Bates

Apparently, Bates' limited participation in Tuesday's session was just part of managing his injury. He looks good to go for Saturday's Wild Card game at New England.

Bates put in three full practices and did not take an injury designation into Week 17's win over the Texans, but there has been no word whether the Titans are taking it easy with the 29-year-old or if perhaps he reinjured the shoulder. His playing 25 snaps between defense and special teams in the contest suggests it's probably the former, however. The Auburn product's practice participation the rest of the week should be telling.

Bates returned to practice on a limited basis Wednesday after missing the last two games with the injury. He should be back manning special teams Sunday against the Saints.

Bates will miss a second consecutive contest due to his lingering shoulder injury. The 29-year-old's absence will be a blow to Tennessee on special teams.