NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Linebacker David Thornton will practice Wednesday with Tennessee for the first time this year as both he and the Titans test his surgically repaired hip. If healthy enough to be activated, the nine-year veteran won't be returning to his starting role. First, the Titans (5-3) have to check out Thornton, who turned 32 Monday and has been on the physically-unable-to-perform list since the final roster cutdown because he hadn't healed up enough then. The Titans activated the three-week window Tuesday for Thornton to practice and gauge whether they want to add him to the roster or end his season. Will Witherspoon, a free agent signee in March, and second-year Gerald McRath both have done well as the starters at outside linebacker. That means Thornton likely would find himself as a backup and on special teams.