The Tennessee Titans remained hopeful that Marcus Mariota would be able to play in Week 7 against the Atlanta Falcons. The quarterback suffered a knee injury against the Miami Dolphins, but was able to finish out the game with a brace on. However, Mariota has missed the past two days of practice and is now officially ruled out for Sunday's game.
According to Jim Wyatt of the official team website, Mariota is not playing on Sunday and instead Zach Mettenberger will get the nod. The Titans had stayed optimistic about the quarterback taking the field, but when it was reported that Mariota did not practice Thursday or Friday plans were adjusted. Mettenberger is very familiar with the Titans' offense as he was the starter for a good portion of his rookie season. The quarterback looked strong in the preseason and is expected to be fine against the Falcons.
"I think there is a good confidence level in Zach," head coach Ken Whisenhunt said, via ESPN.com. "He had a really good preseason. He's been around the guys, there's a good energy in that room with the quarterbacks. It's a good feeling with those guys. So they all support each other, and we feel good. We're confident in Zach and he's worked really hard physically. You can see it. He moves around better, he's throwing it well."
Under Mettenberger, the offensive plan is not expected to change. According to Paul Kuharsky of ESPN, throwing deep might be in the game plan more than it is with Mariota. The quarterback is known to have a big arm and can launch balls down field. This could be a game where Dorial Green-Beckham and Kendall Wright have a big game. With Harry Douglas out for Week 7's game, both receivers will be relied upon heavily along with Delanie Walker as Mettenberger could get pass happy on the field.
As far as the run game is concerened, Antonio Andrews is the closest thing the Titans are getting to a leading rusher right now. He has led the team in rushing in two of their last three games with Dexter McCluster. He is the favorite on goal line plays which might make him worth investing in in Week 7. The Atlanta Falcons have surrendered 10 rushing touchdowns this season which is a league high. Andrews could take advantage of that.
Mettenberger says he is ready to play. The quarterback has been watching Mariota closely and can take over like he did last year.
"It's the same mindset as every week. Nothing is really going to change for me this week. I am going to keep preparing like I am going to play and if that happens I am going to do the best I can,'' Mettenberger said, via TitansOnline.com. "It's part of any back-up's job (to be ready). You never know what could happen in the game. You have to be ready to go in and win a football game. This week is going to be no different."
