The Tennessee Titans could have some trouble gaining momentum on the season if Marcus Mariota misses time. The quarterback took a controversial low hit against the Miami Dolphins in Week 6 and while he was able to play the remainder of the game, he might not be able to play against the Atlanta Falcons. Sporting a large knee brace, Mariota has suffered an MCL sprain that could keep him off the field.
According to Paul Kuharsky of ESPN, Mariota's MRI revealed a left MCL sprain after the quarterback took a hit to the knee. While Mariota was moving around at the team facilities, head coach Ken Whisenhunt told the media that he is not moving as well as he could be which is leaving the team to rule him day-to-day until they can get a better picture of his health. According to ESPN, the normal recovery time for an MCL sprain is three to four weeks, but the Titans are hopeful he can get on the field to play against the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday.
"Yesterday in the second half of the game, he was moving around pretty good," Whisenhunt said, via ESPN.com. "In fact, a couple times he was out of the pocket. I think the big test was what he was like today, so it was positive that he was able to move around today. Once again, we're not going to do anything to put him in any kind of jeopardy, so that's going to be determined by how he progresses this week."
With Mariota potentially sidelined, Zach Mettenberger has been getting first-team reps during practice. If the backup quarterback were to play, the offensive plan would not really change under him. Mettenberger is still completely capable of throwing a quality pass and he is familiar with the offense after having started last season. Delanie Walker will be a big fantasy pickup this week as the Falcons have struggled with passes over the middle. Dorial Green-Beckham will also be a quality pickup for the team.
The Falcons defense has been limiting rushers as one of the best run defenses in the league, but the Saints were able to get the holes necessary to gain the yardage. Dexter McCluster led the way as a versatile threat in both the run and passing game while Bishop Sankey and Antonio Andrews are battling it out as the leading pure rusher. Both players could struggle against the Falcons front line on Sunday.
