"Matt Hasselbeck has played through pain many times during his NFL career, and with the Titans in the playoff mix he's planning to do it again.

The veteran quarterback returned to practice Thursday after sitting out Wednesday with a left calf injury, and he said he wants to play Sunday against the Colts.

Coach Mike Munchak said that's exactly what he expects to happen. At this point, it appears Hasselbeck will start unless he has a setback.

"Physical and mental toughness at this point of the season are important for everybody on our team, and there is tons of guys playing with all kinds of injuries," Hasselbeck said. "There's guys sucking it up, guys with injuries, broken bones, black and blue, this and that. They are doing everything they can to get out there, so out of respect for the toughness that those guys have shown it is important that we all do the same."

Hasselbeck suffered his injury during Sunday's loss to the Saints. Jake Locker, who replaced Hasselbeck and almost rallied the Titans to victory, was also banged up in the game.

But after limited work Wednesday because of a sore chest, the rookie took most of the snaps Thursday, while Hasselbeck was limited.

Hasselbeck is expected to take at least half the snaps in today's practice, and he hopes the medical staff and coaches will clear him to play."