Finding a back-up for Eddie George has been a tough task for the Titans

Titans General Manager Floyd Reese as movie director for Remember the Tennessee Titans:

"Central casting...yeah, Reese here. Need a stand-in for Eddie George. You know, reliable, ready, a just-in-case type...a Rodney Thomas lookalike. Eric Rhett? Naw, can't gauge his commitment. Jonathan Linton? Perfect! Well, maybe not...check on that 'He Hate Me' guy from the XFL. Mike Green? I'll think about it. Who? Dan Alexander? He may need some NFL Europe yet...I'll get back with you. Gotta check the waiver wire."

As the Titans head into a season-opening showdown Sunday night versus the Miami Dolphins, Reese still has not solved the roster problem created when George's longtime backup, Rodney Thomas, left to join the Atlanta Falcons. That part got somewhat lost in the shuffle with the need for a new kicker to replace Al Del Greco, a replacement for cornerback Denard Walker, a new free safety to fill the shoes left by Marcus Robertson's departure, a fullback, and some depth at receiver.

Even before the signing of running back Skip Hicks Thursday, you got the feeling that Green nor Alexander were solid No. 2s. That became relatively clear the day before when the Titans added two more running backs to their five-man practice squad: Derek Combs and Reggie White. Linton had already washed out. Alexander was released to make room for Hicks, but Coach Jeff Fisher has said he hopes to "regain" the rookie and place him on the practice team.

Hicks, placed on waivers by the Chicago Bears, may be the man, but that is still to be proven.

George. Thomas. That is the past. That was all that was needed. George has not missed a start in his five NFL seasons. Thomas was always ready in his little-used backup role. The former Texas high school and Texas A&M star rushed for 947 years as an Oilers rookie in 1995, giving way after that to George in the backfield but retaining a hefty salary for his efforts.

The loss of Thomas equates to running backs taking up spots doled out to other positions in the past.

That might be because George is also something of a question mark.

George is coming off a toe injury that prevented him from partaking in his usual, personal exercise routine, an odd one that may have much to do with his having avoided serious injury in the past. Using a special instructor in the off-season, George twisted and turned his body and limbs in various awkward and abnormal positions -- much like a running back might find himself in a pile-up -- in techniques aimed to improve and broaden "muscle memory." The idea, basically, is to twist yourself into positions that your body can adapt and recover from.

Perhaps Reese is understandably concerned how George's body will respond from the layoff. Or, he's studied the mortality table for high-mileage, five-year-old running back models, those of which average 350-plus carries per season, and he does not like the odds.

All the elements of a fine mystery are at work in the land of the Titans.

Hopefully, for the Titans and Reese, Hicks will silence all the doubting Thomases, George will be himself and the cattlecall for running backs will end.