Andrews ‘waiting for my number to be called’
Published 10:31 am Monday, December 15, 2014
- Tennessee Titans quarterback Jake Locker leaves the field after being injured in the first half of an NFL football game against the New York Jets Sunday, Dec. 14, 2014, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/James Kenney)
NASHVILLE — Antonio Andrews is soaking it all in.
The former Western Kentucky running back signed by the Tennessee Titans as an undrafted free agent this year was active for the third time this season in the Titans’ 16-11 loss to the New York Jets on Sunday at LP Field.
Andrews didn’t see any action in the game, but he is still enjoying the chance to be a part of the NFL experience.
“It’s a cool and a humbling feeling,” Andrews said. “I am just waiting for my number to get called.”
Andrews has spent most of the season on the practice squad, getting promoted to the 53-man roster Oct. 21 after another NFL team was ready to step in and sign him off Tennessee’s practice squad.
“It was good to have options, good to be wanted,” Andrews said. “At the end of the day, you always want to stay with the home team. It’s cool to be wanted like that.”
After being inactive for three games, Andrews made his regular season debut at Philadelphia as a kick returner, totaling 47 yards on two returns.
He was inactive the next week at Houston, but made his home debut last week against the New York Giants, returning three kicks for 63 yards.
“I had fun while I was out there, and I’m waiting for my number to be called again,” Andrews said.
Andrews’ role Sunday was more of a spectator, watching from the sidelines – staying close to the Tennessee coaching staff the entire game.
“Coaches are talking to me, telling me to pay attention,” Andrews said. “They are making sure I’m learning the game, even though I’m not in the game. I’m always willing to learn, and that is what I continue to do on the side when I talk to them.”
Sunday was a continuation of the learning that takes place during the week in practice, although the reps are limited with Andrews behind Bishop Sankey, Shonne Green, Dexter McCluster and Leon Washington on the depth chart.
The Titans are keeping Andrews busy, but he still finds time to follow WKU – which will play in the Bahamas Bowl on Dec. 24.
“They are doing good, keeping the tradition alive and winning games,” Andrews said. “They are putting the city on their back. … I like it.”
Andrews said he has stayed in contact with junior running back Leon Allen, who has taken over Andrews’ role as WKU’s feature back this season.
“He’s a good running back,” Andrews said. “I knew he was capable of doing the things he is doing. It’s all the way to the moon for him. He’s a talented kid, and he is going to be playing on the next level soon.”
Wth two weeks left in the NFL regular season, Andrews said he is more focused on team goals than any individual milestones.
“The only thing on my mind is I want to win out,” Andrews said. “All this losing is tough.”
— Follow sports reporter Micheal Compton on Twitter at twitter.com/mcompton428 or visit bgdailynews.com.