Young still committed to Tennessee's cause

NASHVILLE, Tenn. --- Titans quarterback Vince Young insists he never wavered in his commitment to football.

All that concern over his mental state? He says he was upset as he dealt with his first serious injury, and he didn't realize he had to tell his mother where he was going anymore.

Then, the media went overboard.

Young spoke publicly Thursday for the first time since Titans coach Jeff Fisher called police for help in locating the quarterback Monday night because of concerns over his emotional well-being. His mother, Felicia Young , told a local newspaper that the quarterback had indicated he didn't want to play football anymore because of all the negativity he faced.

"I was never depressed," Young said.

He took questions from reporters for 16 minutes after watching his team practice. His message? Don't question his commitment.

"Football, this is my life. This is my dream. All I did all these years growing up to get to this point and never had an injury like this before in my life," he said.

"It's a hard time because I'm a competitor, and I definitely want to be out on the football field."

- All-Pro defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth missed a second practice in a row because of a mild concussion as the Titans stay cautious with him.

"Obviously, he's a very important part of our defense, and we're hoping we have him available for Sunday," Fisher said.

CHANGE OF PLANS: The Houston Texans-Baltimore Ravens game was moved to 8:30 p.m. Monday night because of Hurricane Ike.

The game originally was scheduled for 4:15 p.m. Sunday.

ACCOLADES: Falcons running back Michael Turner is one of three finalists for the FedEx Ground NFL Player of the Week honor after rushing for 220 yards and two touchdowns in a season-opening win over Detroit.

Fans can choose between Turner, Pittsburgh's Willie Parker and Chicago's Matt Forte . Voting will be held online at nfl.com/fedex until 3 p.m. today.

RAMS: A defense that gave up 522 yards in its season opener might be without starting defensive end Leonard Little on Sunday against the New York Giants.

Little's status is unknown after he left last weekend's game with a hamstring injury.

REDSKINS: Washington sorely missed cornerback Shawn Springs when he had to sit out the season-opening loss to the Giants.

Springs was a late scratch with a deep bruise from getting kicked in the shin at practice. He will be available to play Sunday.

BILLS: Receiver Roscoe Parrish returned to practice, and left tackle Jason Peters took another step toward being ready to play after ending his off-season holdout last weekend.

Parrish returned after missing Wednesday's practice with sore ribs and a sore left knee and is expected to play Sunday.