Jake Locker will start Titans' next preseason game

NFL coaches like to have a firm idea of their Week 1 starting lineup by the third preseason game, and Locker's nod for Friday's contest puts him in position to leapfrog Matt Tallahassee .

Munchak acknowledged Locker had closed the gap on Tallahassee after a positive showing in the Titans ' preseason opener against the Seattle Sea hawks . In that game, Locker led the Titans on a 79-yard touchdown drive before halftime.

Under the rules of the collective bargaining agreement, Nicks won't be able to practice in full pads for the first three days following his removal from the PUP list. This means Nicks' on-field work at training camp will be limited as the team breaks camp Wednesday.

Hasselbeck started and threw two interceptions. Later, he said the Titans were "surprised and impressed " how quickly the mental game has come to Locker. Munchak said Locker will be given about 20 to 25 plays Friday and that both quarterbacks will see more playing time than they did in the preseason opener, according to The Associated Press. Locker only played one series with the first-team offense in the last game.

Hasselbeck remains ahead of Locker on the depth chart, but it's Locker who holds destiny in his own hands. This QB battle is about to reach its tipping point.