Rookie Avery Williamson works toward more playing time

Titans rookie linebacker Avery Williamson said he was excited about getting his first defensive snaps of the season during last Sunday's loss to the Bengals, and he hopes his playing time will continue to increase.

"Yeah, I'm slowly working toward that," said Williamson, a native of Milan and a fifth-round pick out of Kentucky. "I don't want to jump the gun. I just want to keep taking it day by day and see how things go, but I'm slowly working toward that."

Williamson played 13 defensive snaps against the Bengals and made four tackles. He tackled Jeremy Hill for a two-yard loss, but it was another play that caught the eye of inside linebacker Wesley Woodyard, a fellow Kentucky alum.

"To me, the best play he made was defeating two blockers and tackling a guy on a screen for a 4-yard gain," Woodyard said. "Even though it was a gain, it's a screen he singlehandedly stopped. So it was real good to see that his football awareness was good enough not only to turn it back in, but to make the play."

Coach Ken Whisenhunt said on Monday that Williamson "did some good plays and then did some things that weren't so good. Therein lies the problem."

Williamson knows he has room for improvement.

"Just really knowing what gaps to fit and solidifying my special teams play -- not making any mistakes on special teams," Williamson said. "I'd say that's the biggest thing."