Hasselbeck to start at QB for Titans

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) Matt Hasselbeck will get the start for the Tennessee Titans in the preseason opener Saturday night against his former team, the Seattle Seahawks.

Hasselbeck, battling Jake Locker for the starting quarterback spot, gets to open the preseason in part as the incumbent starter from a year ago, says coach Mike Munchak. Hasselback was the Seahawks' primary starting quarterback from 2001-10.

"It wasn't a big decision. I think Matt (Hasselbeck) deserves the start," Munchak said. "If it means anything, it's his hometown and where he's played. He was a starter last year, so I think he should be the first one out of the box with the ball in his hand."

Munchak said he would like to get Hasselbeck about 12 to 15 plays, and then insert Locker, last year's first-round pick, to finish the first half. The game is also a homecoming for Locker, who played at the University of Washington.

Munchak did not commit to reversing the roles and starting Locker next week when the Titans (No. 21 in the AP Pro32) travel to Tampa Bay for their second preseason game.

Online: http://bigstory.ap.org/NFL-Pro32 and http://twitter.com/AP-NFL

Updated August 9, 2012