LG Steve Hutchinson has helped bolster Tennessee's run. Since Week 7, the Titans have averaged 6.02 ypc. (US Presswire)

When the Tennessee Titans signed LG Steve Hutchinson in March, the move wasn’t considered a panacea for the team’s defective run game.

At his peak, the seven-time Pro Bowl lineman brought a tenacity, intelligence and selflessness to the position that has been matched only by a select few throughout the history of the league. In the preseason, though, the 35-year-old openly wondered how many years he had left in his professional career.

Through 11 weeks, the gamble has paid off. After rushing for just 117 yards combined over their first three weeks, the Titans have averaged more than 161 yards per game in their last four contests. Hutchinson’s presence is a major reason why. Tennessee ranks second in the league on rushes behind the left guard (6.68 yards per carry), according to NFLGSIS.com. In 2011, the Titans averaged nearly 2 yards less per carry on similar runs.

Then, days after the Titans’ 37-3 win over the Dolphins on Nov. 11, Hutchinson received inclusion on the Weekly All-NFL team from Pro Football Focus.com for Week 10. Hutchinson had several key blocks, as Chris Johnson rushed for 126 yards and a touchdown.

Hutchinson has made a seamless transition from a scheme in Minnesota primarily based on power blocking to a zone-running scheme in Tennessee. Titans coach Mike Munchak credits OL coach Bruce Matthews for tailoring the blocking schemes to the strengths of his linemen, including Hutchinson.

“We’re putting those guys in blocking schemes that they do well, and so he’s done a nice job with all that, Hutch has, along with the rest of them,” Munchak said. “The last six, seven weeks they’ve been playing very well together.”

Hutchinson's greatest asset might be the veteran leadership he has brought to the huddle and meeting rooms. Matthews describes Hutchinson as extremely vocal in offensive line meetings, always eager to ask a question if he has any doubt about a particular concept.

"When I was young, I heard older guys saying to never stop being a student of the game. That was something that stuck with me," Hutchinson said. "I'm trying to design scenarios in my head where things might happen and I want to have an answer for it."

In recent weeks, Hutchinson has played a prominent role in a handful of explosive runs by Johnson. In the win over the Dolphins, Hutchinson twice advanced to the second-level and took LB Kevin Burnett out of the play on blocks downfield. On the first, a 21-yard gain by Johnson midway through the first quarter, the All-Pro running back found a crease created by Hutchinson after making a sharp cut to his left. Hutchinson also mauled Burnett on a Johnson run late in the third quarter for a 13 yard gain.

Hutchinson was also instrumental in setting a combination block with C Fernando Velasco on the Titans’ longest run of the year -- an 83-yard touchdown by Johnson in the first quarter against the Bills. Their block on Bills DT Marcell Dareus enabled FB Quinn Johnson to enter a gap and spring another opening for Johnson down the left sideline.

“The guy’s best quality is if he gets his hands on you, he’s very difficult to beat," said Matthews, a nine-time All Pro and member of the Hall of Fame. "I always call it old man’s strength because if he gets his hand on you, it’s like a couple vice grips. He doesn’t let you go.”

Velasco, who is in his first season as Tennessee's starting center, has benefited immensely from playing alongside Hutchinson.

"He's been doing it a long time, so he's seen every look in the book," Velasco said. "He's kept me accountable as far as making my calls and when I see things, he's told me [not to] be afraid to pull the trigger. I'm glad to have him as my teammate."

Hutchinson’s three-year, $16-million contract expires at the end of the 2014-15 season. Next season, Hutchinson's base salary more than doubles from $2 million this year to $4.75 million. The cap hit for Hutchinson will go from $3.5 million in 2012 to $6.75 million in 2013.

The close rapport Hutchinson has formed with his teammates could convince him to return beyond this season.

"Hopefully, I can stay healthy," Hutchinson said. "I love the group of guys, I love this team, I love this locker room. It's a young team, overall. It makes me feel young."

No setbacks for Locker: During the bye week, Jake Locker remained in Nashville to undergo treatment for his sore left shoulder. Locker returned in Week 10 vs. the Dolphins after missing the previous five games with the injury to his non-throwing shoulder.

Jaguars QB Blaine Gabbert reportedly suffered a similar injury to his left, non-throwing shoulder in Week 9 vs. the Colts. Gabbert was placed on IR on Wednesday with shoulder and forearm injuries. The second-year Jacksonville QB injured his right elbow in last week's loss to the Texans.

Chad Henne will start for Jacksonville against the Titans on Sunday.

"It feels great," said Locker of his injured shoulder. "It doesn't feel any better, any worse than it did going into the Miami game. It feels very strong and I expect it to be that way the rest of the year."

Locker has thrown for six toucdowns and two interceptions in five games while completing 59.8 of his attempts. In limited action as a rookie, Locker threw for four touchdowns and completed 51.5 percent of his passes. Locker didn't throw an interception last season.

"I'm just understanding where I can get rid of the ball, even if that's out of bounds," Locker said. "I'm not trying to force a ball into a tight window or an area where it has a better chance of turning out bad than good."

Injury update: TE Craig Stevens (hamstring) missed practice Wednesday but is expected to practice on Thanksgiving, Munchak said.

WR Lavelle Hawkins (ankle), RB Jamie Harper (ankle) and S Al Afalava (ankle) did not practice.

WR Kenny Britt (knee) and LB Colin McCarthy (ankle) were full participants in practice.

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