A new league rule regarding the injured reserve list and several injuries late in the preseason presented Titans coach Mike Munchak with several tough decisions when finalizing the 53-man roster. (US Presswire)

A new NFL rule for players on injured reserve forced the Tennessee Titans to employed a bit of strategy when constructing their 53-man roster.

A flurry of injuries late in the preseason provided coach Mike Munchak with several difficult decisions. Under the new rule, one player per team in 2012 will be allowed to play eight weeks after being placed on IR. The rule applies to players who have suffered a major injury that prevents them from practicing for at least six weeks. In previous seasons, a player placed on IR could not return for the remainder of the season.

The Titans placed five players -- DE Dave Ball, DL Leger Douzable, OG Ryan Durand, DB Terrence Wheatley and LB Kevin Malast -- on IR. Tennessee could have exercised the option on Ball (concussion-like symptoms) or Douzable (shoulder). The Titans now have the option of using it if a prominent player suffers a severe injury early in the season.

“There were cases last year of guys getting hurt in the first couple of weeks of the season that could have come back and played in the playoffs,” Munchak said. “I think that was the intent. If you lose a marquee guy and need him for the December run, that leaves the door open.”

The new rule also gives teams the option of reaching an injury settlement with a player on IR several weeks into the regular season. If the Titans decide to use the option on any of the players, they won’t be eligible to play for another team for the first eight weeks after reaching the settlement. Munchak indicated it’s something the Titans could consider on an individual basis. Douzable hasn’t decided whether to undergo shoulder surgery, Munchak said. The surgery would be season-ending.

Close calls for the final spots on the roster: Three of the toughest cuts for the Titans came on defense when the they decided to release DT Zach Clayton, S Aaron Francisco and DB Chris Hawkins. Clayton (2nd year, Auburn), who was later re-signed to the practice squad, was hampered by a back injury late in the preseason.

“That was probably one of the hardest ones because Zach is what you want on your team,” Munchak said. “The guy just works hard and shows up every day.”

Clayton was beaten out by rookie DT DaJohn Harris and veteran DE Keyunta Dawson. The fifth-year veteran has the ability to move inside, as well.

“That guy (Dawson) just plays 100 miles per hour,” Munchak said.

Francisco also dealt with injuries late in the preseason. Durability could have been a concern, as the Titans opted to keep S Al Afalava. Afalava started 13 games for the Bears in 2009 during his rookie season. Hawkins narrowly lost a tight battle with CBs Ryan Mouton and Coty Sensabaugh, who both made the 53-man roster.

Versatility on offensive line: The placement of Durand on IR opened a spot for third-year OT Troy Kropog. In 2011, Kropog spent the season on the practice squad.

The Titans only have one backup guard (Kevin Matthews), but can slide over several reserve tackles, including Kropog. Backup tackles Mike Otto and Byron Stingily also made the roster. Otto will likely miss the opener vs. the Patriots with a fractured right ring finger.

“You need versatility, you need someone that you trust,” Munchak said. “It’s hard to just take a lineman off the street and have them help you on Day One.”

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