By Terry McCormick, Correspondent

NASHVILLE — Every NFL team has questions as it enters training camp, but the Tennessee Titans have one that seems to overshadow all others: Will Albert Haynesworth report to Baptist Sports Park when camp opens today, and if not, how long will his holdout be?

Thursday at a precamp media gathering, Titans coach Jeff Fisher indicated he is still optimistic that Haynesworth might be on the field when the rest of his teammates begin practice at 3:30 p.m. CDT.

Haynesworth must sign the $7.25 million one-year franchise tender to take part.

“We have every intention and hope that we’ll be able to get him in here tomorrow. Right now, as it stands, he will be here eventually,” Fisher said. “We’re hoping sooner rather than later. But I think we’re progressing and I think we will be able to have him on the practice field, perhaps as early as tomorrow.”

Haynesworth’s agent and Titans general manager Mike Reinfeldt have continued negotiations on the one-year contract since missing the July 15 deadline to reach a long-term agreement in time for the 2008 season. Speck and Haynesworth want certain concessions and incentives from the Titans that could allow the defensive tackle to test unrestricted free agency in 2009, rather than be franchised again if a long-term deal can’t be reached after the season.

Fisher said Thursday that if the Titans agree to that, he views it as a show of good faith toward a new contract.

“In my mind, that does not imply that we’re going to cut him loose next year. To me, that would be the first step toward getting a long-term deal,” Fisher said.

“The Titans and I have been in contact with each other, but nothing has been agreed upon,” Speck said in an e-mail Thursday.

Johnson progress

The Titans are also still in negotiations with first-round draft choice Chris Johnson. The former East Carolina running back is the team’s only unsigned draft pick.

“Things are moving along pretty good,” Fisher said. “It may be a midnight hour thing tonight, but things are progressing. The dotting of the I’s and the crossing of the proverbial T’s may reach into practice.”

One league source indicated that the deal was not close to being completed, though talks were expected to continue through Thursday night.

Last year, first-round pick Michael Griffin agreed to terms on the first day of camp but could not practice because the contract had not yet gained approval from the NFL.

Excused absences

Two defensive starters won’t be on the field until Sunday. Linebacker David Thornton is scheduled to be the best man in his brother’s wedding this weekend, while defensive end Jevon Kearse will attend funeral services for the father of former Titan Samari Rolle.

Receiver Roydell Williams will miss the first few days of camp in his continuing recovery from the broken ankle suffered in January. Williams could start camp on the physically unable to perform list.

Rookie cornerback Cary Williams could miss up to a week because of a quadriceps injury suffered two weeks ago while working out on his own.

The first two-a-day date is Tuesday. That afternoon is scheduled for the first practice in full pads.

E-mail Terry McCormick at sports@timesfreepress.com

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