The Tennessee Titans are expecting Marcus Mariota to start in Week 9 after the quarterback was out with a knee injury last week against the Texans. The Titans may have David Cobb back from IR soon and that could give fantasy owners some trouble deciding who to start between Antonio Andrews, Bishop Sankey and Cobb.
The Titans are coming into the weekend after firing head coach Ken Whisenhunt and now Mike Mularkey takes over as the interim coach for the season. Mularkey has previous head coaching experience and now he takes over a Titans team that has struggled with a 1-6 record this season. Mariota has been dealing with a knee injury, but he appears ready to return for the Titans this week. Titans beat writer Terry McCormick reports that Mariota is expected to practice with no limitations and that puts him on track to start this weekend against the New Orleans Saints.
Mariota has been solid as a rookie this season and while he has had some struggles, Mariota has more TDs than interceptions and is completing over 63 percent of his passes. The Titans had Zach Mettenberger start last week in place of Mariota and now the team is hoping the rookie can stay healthy for the second half of the season. Mularkey said that the team will take a look at the offensive scheme and could make some changes to help Mariota develop, according to Pro Football Talk.
The Titans have some solid offensive talent around Mariota, but the offensive line has been shaky and that has put Mariota in the crosshairs a bit. Mariota was originally injured on a low hit against the Dolphins and the team will try and keep him upright on a more consistent basis moving forward. PFT writes that Mularkey said that the team will "some things differently offensively, scheme-wise" to help get Mariota going.
David Cobb may return from IR this week and he joins a busy backfield with Bishop Sankey, Dexter McCluster, and Antonio Andrews. Terrance West is reportedly on the wya out. According to Pro Football Talk, Cobb has been able to return to activities, but he will be activated in Week 10 and will be out for Week 9. Cobb is worth a look as a stash player for fantasy owners, but with a new coach coming in things could get even more muddled over the next few weeks.
Andrews is worth using for Sunday and Sankey is a decent RB3 or flex option, but owners should keep an eye on how the splits go this week, as that could give some clarity about who will be the lead back down the second half stretch of the season.
Pro Football Talk writes that Chip Kelly could be a coaching target for the Titans after the season, but that would largely depend on whether Kelly actually wants to leave the Eagles or not. Kelly has shown no desire to leave the Eagles when his name has come up in connection to college coaching jobs, but so far he has not had any other NFL teams come after him. PFT reports that the Titans would be permitted to ask the Eagles for permission to speak to Kelly after the season and if that is allowed, the two teams would have to work out some compensation.
Check here for more on the Titans, Mariota and the RBs.
