NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The winds of change are blowing for the Tennessee Titans even as they prepare for Sunday’s visit by the Houston Texans.

The Titans (2-5) traded away seldom-used linebacker Akeem Ayers on Tuesday to the Patriots, tossing in a seventh-round pick in exchange for a sixth-rounder from New England next year.

Ayers, a two-year starter who was a second-round pick in 2011, fell from favor with the Titans’ new coaching staff and got relegated to a backup role. According to coach Ken Whisenhunt, because Ayers was not a key contributor on special teams, he became the odd man out behind veteran linebackers such as Shaun Phillips, Kam Wimbley and Quentin Groves.

“I think, really, a big part of it was special teams,” Whisenhunt said. “When you’re in that type role, you’ve got to be able to contribute special teams-wise. We needed that, and we just didn’t feel like we were getting enough from that area.”

However, the statistics don’t necessarily bear that out. In one of only two games active, Ayers managed three special teams tackles to lead the team.

There was a report from NFL.com that the Titans were listening to offers for receiver Nate Washington, and 247Sports.com reported that other players, such as safety Michael Griffin, possibly could be available.

While a fire sale is unlikely — those sorts of things just don’t happen in the NFL as they do in baseball — the Titans seem to recognize that they are in a situation where changes are needed.

Tennessee appears headed for a sixth consecutive season of being out of the playoffs, and the fan base is growing restless and frustrated with a team that has not won a playoff game since the 2003 season.

NOTES: QB Jake Locker threw in practice Wednesday, but the Titans did not make him available to the media and won’t do so until Thursday regarding his status for Sunday. He missed the past two games due to a thumb injury. … Among those limited in Wednesday’s practice were RB Shonn Greene (hamstring), TE Taylor Thompson (torn PCL) and DE Ropati Pitoitua (broken finger). … RB Antonio Andrew and TE Richard Gordon were signed to the 53-man roster.