NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Bruce Matthews remained on the Tennessee Titans' roster Monday, and coach Jeff Fisher said plenty of time remains before the 19-year veteran offensive lineman must decide to play or retire.

	Matthews

"Hopefully, we'll pick the phone up sometime this week and try to get a feel for what he's planning on doing,'' Fisher said.

Matthews, who will be 41 in August, approached the 2001 season as if it was his last and talked often about making a tough decision on whether to retire or return for his 20th season.

Matthews has not attended any workouts this spring. The Titans started their final minicamp Monday, and Fisher said Matthews has been excused from the voluntary workouts.

The Titans have been busy preparing as if Matthews will not be around. He spent last season at guard and center, and they have added two veterans in Jeff Smith and Aaron Graham in the past month.

Under a contract extension Matthews helped negotiate as his own agent, he is signed through 2006. He is scheduled for a base salary of $1 million this year.

Fisher said the Titans would get some relief under the salary cap if Matthews retires now. Apparently, Matthews has been trying to keep his options open.

"Bruce has spent most of his offseason in Houston training. If he decides to come back, I'm sure he'll be ready,'' Fisher said.