Tennessee Titans coach Mike Munchak named Matt Hasselbeck as the team's starting quarterback for Saturday's opener at Seattle.

Munchak hasn't decided if Hasselbeck or Jake Locker will start in the Titans' second game of the preseason on Aug. 17 at Tampa Bay. Hasselbeck and Locker are engaged in arguably the most-closely watched NFL quarterback battle in training camp.

Hasselbeck spent 10 years with the Seahawks (2001-2010) where he guided Seattle to playoff appearances in six seasons. Locker ended his collegiate career at the University of Washington ranked second in school history in passing yards and touchdowns.

“It wasn’t a big decision. I think Matt 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.”

Hasselbeck will likely receive 12-15 snaps in his return to Seattle, Munchak said. Munchak is planning on using Locker for the remainder of the first half. The Titans plan on running a fairly basic offense for the first game of the preseason.

“You never know how preseason is going to go with opportunities,” Munchak said. “Hopefully, we're running him well and can keep some drives going. We don't expect to be very complicated as far as making adjustments.”

Hasselbeck is the Seahawks' career leader in passing yards (29,434), passing attempts (4,250) and completions (2,559). With a wild card win over New Orleans in the 2010 playoffs, Hasselbeck became the winningest quarterback in Seahawks' franchise history. The game wound up being Hasselbeck's last at home in a Seahawks' uniform.

“It'll feel weird for me for coming out of the other locker room,” Hasselbeck said. “I have a lot of great memories there. I'm thankful for the opportunity.”

Ball not considering retirement

DE Dave Ball is hoping to return to practice next week after experiencing concussion-like symptoms over the last several days.

In 2011, Ball contemplated retirement after he suffered a concussion vs. the Bengals in November. Ball hopes to play at least until the end of the 2012 season.

“I want to play it through, I want to play all 18 holes. Right now we're on the front nine, I'm on the No. 3 sand trap. I'm trying to at least make it back to the clubhouse for a hoagie,” Ball jokingly said.

The symptoms first appeared after Ball suffered a fractured nose late last week in practice. The former UCLA defensive end subsequently spent several days away from the team facility for excused personal reasons. Ball wouldn't disclose the defender responsible for the injury.

“It was a unique play, the quarterback rolled right and it was a drop-back pass,” Ball said. “I was on a hot-pursuit and the fist actually went through the facemask, which is a rarity. That has never happened to me before.”

Game planning sparse for Seahawks

The Titans will face a Seahawks' receiving corps on Saturday that will be without Sidney Rice (shoulder) and newly signed wideout Terrell Owens.

“He's not playing, aw man!” said Campbell of Owens. “I was looking forward to it.”

Neither Campbell, nor defensive coordinator Jerry Gray watched film of new Seahawks quarterback Matt Flynn's 480-yard, six-touchdown performance last season vs. the Lions. After playing behind Aaron Rodgers for four seasons, Flynn left the Packers for Seattle in the offseason.

“I'm not going to say (Flynn's) as good as (Rodgers) but I'm sure he took some tips and learned some things from him,” Campbell said.

While preparing for the Seahawks this week the Titans watched film of Seattle's preseason home opener in 2011 vs. Minnesota, Campbell added.

“They're not going to bring out their whole offense, they're going to be pretty basic,” Campbell said.

First-team offensive line battling injuries

RT David Stewart returned to practice on Thursday after missing several days with soreness in his knee. RG Leroy Harris, meanwhile, missed Thursday's practice with leg soreness. Harris will play Saturday unless he suffers a setback on Friday, Munchak said.

If Harris is out, offensive lineman Ryan Durand will likely start at right guard. S Markelle Martin (knee) won't make the trip to Seattle. TE Brandon Barden and CB Terrence Wheatley remained out with hamstring injuries.

For more up-to-the-minute news and analysis on the Tennessee Titans, follow Matt Rybaltowski @CBSSportsNFLTEN