The Tennessee Titans are trying to find some consistency. After the firing of head coach Ken Whisenhunt, pressure is on to pull things together to finish the season out. Expecting to get Marcus Mariota back, the offense will now have to make do without their leading wide receiver and top deep threat as Kendall Wright is expected to miss the game against the New Orleans Saints.
According to Paul Kuharsky of ESPN.com, Wright is not expected to play in Week 9 against the Saints after suffering a knee sprain in the loss to Houston. That is a big hit for the Titans' offense as it leaves them without their top deep-threat. Interim head coach Mike Mularkey told the media that Wright is walking better and should not be out for the long-term, but getting him healthy for this week is out of the question.
With Wright out, Harry Douglas could be in. The receiver has missed the past two weeks with a rib injury, but will return to the offense. That is good news for the slot position, but the Titans are still lacking in a down-field presence. Wright's injury opens the door for Dorial Green-Beckham to step up and prove that he can be a safety blanket for Mariota. According to Mularkey, the easiest way for Green-Beckham to make a quick impact on the offense is to improve his blocking along with his route running.
"He's come a long way, that year off of football I don't think helped him with his development," Mularkey said, via ESPN.com. "I think he's grown up a little bit. He's going to get more playing time, he's got to because of the injury to Kendall. And this will be a big game for him to have a chance to show up, not just in the passing game but run blocking."
Green-Beckham and Justin Hunter will be the favored receivers on the field along with tight end Delanie Walker. The three with the return of Douglas will at least provide Mariota with some weapons. Over the past two games the run game has left a lot to be desired while Antonio Andrews leads the way.
Mariota is healthy after suffering the knee sprain Oct. 18. Zach Mettenberger is not expected to start in the rookie's place. The biggest issue will be protecting the quarterback. The Titans' offensive line gave up seven sacks to Houston as the team is on a six-game losing streak. With Mariota recovered from the knee injury, the line has to protect or he could miss more time on the field.
