Titans' Eugene Amano out for season

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NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Tennessee Titans center Eugene Amano will miss the 2012 season with a torn triceps muscle in his right arm.

Amano started at center the past two seasons for the Titans. He was injured in Thursday night's practice when hit by a helmet while blocking on a pass attempt. He will have surgery next week.

Amano was competing for his starting spot with Kevin Matthews and Fernando Velasco, who had been getting work at right guard. Now it'll be Velasco or Matthews who will open the season at center. Matthews, though, has been out since Thursday with a concussion.

"Fernando has taken reps the last couple of days, and we've talked about him going in this second week anyway and it worked out that way," Titans coach Mike Munchak said. "We're confident in him. Kevin Matthews will probably be back on Wednesday.

Leroy Harris moves into the starter's role at right guard.

Velasco said he's been preparing for a chance to start for awhile, but didn't want it to happen at the expense of Amano.

"Being a backup guy, I always prepared like I was a starter anyway. I hate it for Eugene, but it's time for me to step up," Velasco said Friday. "I've always had confidence in myself, and I know I can play the game at this level and play it at a high level."

Munchak didn't rule out signing free agents to fill a spot on the roster.

Notes

Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press

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