The Tennessee Titans could be left scrambling on Sunday as Jake Locker continues to be a game-time decision following a wrist injury. The Titans got a break when an MRI showed no structural damage to the quarterback's wrist, meaning it is only a strain, but his status is still up in the air against the Indianapolis Colts. Now the Titans must decide who will start in his place.
According to head coach Ken Whisenhunt, the Titans will start Charlie Whitehurst in place of Locker over rookie quarterback Zach Mettenberger if the quarterback is indeed unable to play on Sunday. The rookie has been deactivated for the first three games of the season after displaying a lot of promise in the preseason. He finished the stint going 47-of-68 in passing for 659 yards and two touchdowns, but the Titans feel more comfortable with the veteran starting instead.
"I know that we talk about regular-season games being different than preseason games, and they are from a standpoint of intensity," said Whisenhunt, via USA Today Sports. "I've been through eight preseason games with him, so I feel like I've seen him play in a game. I've seen him go in and perform well, so I don't really have a question as far as what it would be like Sunday with Charlie."
Whisenhunt has plenty of familiarity with Whitehurst as the two worked together with the San Diego Chargers. That could be playing a large role in why he is getting the nod over Mettenberger despite the promise showed in the preseason. Locker has not exactly impressed through three games which certainly hurts his future contract talks. The wrist injury only makes things worse. Anyone investing fantasy time in Tennessee wide receivers might be happy to see a change under center.
Justin Hunter, Kendall Wright and Nate Washington are certainly doing the most with what they are being given, but the numbers are not overly impressive through three games. Last season, Hunter was a breakout star in fantasy leagues while this season he has just eight catches for 126 yards and no touchdowns. Washington says he has total confidence in all of the quarterbacks on the roster and is fine with any player taking over.
"I am confident in all the quarterbacks on our roster, I think they all have an amazing ability to throw the ball. It will be up to the coaches as to what happens on Sunday as to who is in there. But we can't worry about that," Washington said. "Jake is a tough guy, he is a competitor, he is strong willed. He's a guy that is not going to leave his teammates out there if he can go. I am pretty sure if he has the choice to make on his own, he'll say no question he can go."
