The Chiefs released linebacker Napoleon Harris, who was their leading tackler (123 total) in 2007, his only season with the club. But the Chiefs were not pleased with Harris' efforts in pass defense and began the process of replacing him last spring. Harris, who was battling a knee problem, had been inactive in Kansas City's five games this year.

PLAYER NOTES

--RB Larry Johnson will be inactive for Sunday's game against Tennessee as a disciplinary measure. Chiefs coach Herm Edwards, who had been evasive all week when asked about Johnson's status, made the announcement Thursday. He said Johnson was being punished for an unspecified violation of team rules.

--TE Tony Gonzalez, still smarting some after his request for a trade produced nothing, says he may ask Chiefs officials to postpone a planned ceremony Sunday in which he was to be honored after breaking Shannon Sharpe's NFL record for career receiving yards by a tight end. Gonzalez broke the record without fanfare in a 34-0 loss to Carolina before the bye week.

--LB Donnie Edwards, who has missed the last two games with an ankle injury, says he is hopeful of seeing some playing time this week against Tennessee. Edwards' status remains questionable, however, as there is still some swelling in the ankle.

--QB Brodie Croyle, who has not played since separating his shoulder in the third quarter of the season opener at New England, said he felt fully comfortable in running the offense at Thursday's practice and that he did not think rust would be a major factor as he returns to action Sunday against Tennessee.

--T Branden Albert participated in a full workout Wednesday and is expected to start against Tennessee after missing the Carolina game with a dislocated elbow.

GAME PLAN: The main challenge will be to protect QB Brodie Croyle from one of the league's most intense pass rushes. The Chiefs may play a lot of two tight end formations against Tennessee as a means of helping both tackles. An effective running game that keeps the score close is essential, and that will be difficult against the Titans front seven.

Defensively, the Chiefs have to limit LenDale White and the Titans running game and try to make Kerry Collins complete passes in a stadium in which he's not played well, especially in his Oakland career.

MATCHUPS TO WATCH: Titans front seven vs. Chiefs protection unit. Kansas City has given up 15 sacks, exactly as many as the Titans have recorded. Titans RDE Kyle Vanden Bosch (3 sacks) vs. Chiefs rookie LT Branden Albert, who missed the last game against Carolina with a dislocated elbow, will be a big matchup. Titans DT Albert Haynesworth (5 sacks) faces Kansas City's most accomplished lineman in LG Brian Waters, unless they let him work against KC's porous right side of RG Adrian Jones and RT Damion McIntosh. LDE Jevon Kearse could have a big day here.

INJURY REPORT: The only players on the injury report -- QB Brodie Croyle (shoulder), T Branden Albert (elbow) and LB Donnie Edwards (ankle) -- all practiced Wednesday. Edwards is the only one whose participation against Tennessee seems less than certain.