The Sports Xchange

Tennessee Titans cornerback Jason McCourty underwent groin surgery Monday and his goal of playing in the Sept. 13 opener is likely optimistic by a few weeks.

Head coach Ken Whisenhunt said Monday he was hopeful McCourty could return in time for the season opener Sept. 13 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. However, the more likely projection is Week 5, following the first three games and the Titans’ bye week, ESPN reported Tuesday

McCourty, 28, hasn’t missed a start in three seasons and last week expressed frustration over the injury that has kept him out since early in camp.

“I hate missing practice,” McCourty said Thursday, per the team’s website. “I think no matter how long you have been in the league, everybody needs it. So it is killing me not to be out there. I am just trying to make up by doing other things to keep my conditioning up and just talking to the guys. I think there is always a need from a leadership standpoint and chemistry standpoint to be out there so I hate the fact I can’t be out there.

“I am not ready to be out there right now, so it is just a matter of when it is fully recovered and when I’ll be ready 100 percent. As soon as I can, I will be out there doing footwork and whatever I can. I absolutely hate this.”

Coty Sensabaugh or Blidi Wreh-Wilson likely would start opposite Perrish Cox.