Kenny Britt Injury: Will Titans Be Able To Cope Without Star Receiver?

After Tennessee Titans star receiver Kenny Britt was lost for the season after tearing his ACL and MCL in Sunday's game against the Denver Broncos, the Titans find themselves down a pivotal player after a 2-1 start.

The Titans surprised when they defeated the Baltimore Ravens in Week 2, 26-13, but the question is if they can keep up a good start with Britt no longer available.

The good news is they have a good No. 2 receiver in Nate Washington, who has been productive every year of his career. He'll slide into the No. 1 spot and could still produce.

But the Titans' receiving corps does not have much depth. In Britt's absence, they will be looking for such well-knowns as tight end Jared Cook and receivers Damian Williams and Lavelle Hawkins to step up.

It's safe to say the loss of Britt is huge, but the Titans also may just have the quarterback for the job in veteran Matt Hasselbeck. After Britt went down in the second quarter on Sunday, Hasselbeck ended up throwing to 10 other receivers throughout the day in the Titans' 17-14 victory.

It is surprising that the Titans aren't going for another talent, even if it means an unproven young player. The Titans know what they have in Gage and that led to them cutting him. At least with a younger player there is room for improvement and the chance he could blossom like a Denarius Moore or David Nelson.

Another thing that must happen if the Titans have any chance of competing from here on out is for star running back Chris Johnson to get back on track.

Coming off a big, multi-year deal, Johnson has oddly been a completely different player...in a bad way. Johnson rushed for over 1,300 yards and 11 touchdowns last season, but he's rushed for a grand total of 98 yards through three games thus far in 2011. He's averaging 2.1 yards per carry. You could blame the offensive line, but the fact is Johnson has always been able to dominate, regardless of the line, much like Minnesota Vikings star Adrian Peterson.

But there is a chance the suspension of Johnson's battery mate, fullback Ahmard Hall, has hurt him. Hall was suspended for four games and the Titans have had to use third-year pro Quinn Johnson.

If the Titans are to have any chance going forward, they need a receiver to step up or trade for one, Hasselbeck to continue spreading the field and for Johnson to get back on track.

Right now, it's not looking good.