Zach Mettenberger Injury: Updates on Titans QB's Shoulder and Return

Zach Mettenberger injured his shoulder in Week 14 vs. New York and will miss the remainder of the season following an MRI that revealed an AC joint separation. He has since missed Weeks 15-17.

Continue for updates.

Sunday, Dec. 28

Mettenberger Out for Week 17

The Titans announced Mettenberger's status: 

Friday, Dec. 26

Mettenberger Could Dress in Week 17

Jim Wyatt of The Tennessean has the latest on Mettenberger:

Tuesday, Dec. 23

Mettenberger Returns to Practice

John Glennon of The Tennessean provides an update on Mettenberger's status:

Thursday, Dec. 18

Mettenberger Out For Week 16

Zach Mettenberger was once again inactive for the Titans as they took on the Jaguars, via Mark Long of the Associated Press.

Friday, Dec. 12

Mettenberger Out in Week 15

Terry McCormick of 247 Sports has an update on Mettenberger's status for Sunday:

Monday, Dec. 8

Mettenberger Reportedly Out for Season With AC Joint Separation

Ian Rapoport of NFL.com reported on Zach Mettenberger's injured shoulder following an MRI, which revealed the quarterback will miss the season with an AC joint separation.

Jim Wyatt of The Tennessean is reporting that the injury won't need surgery.

However, Ken Whisenhunt wouldn't rule Mettenberger out for the year and said that Jake Locker will play if the rookie can't go.

Around The NFL's Chris Wesseling highlighted Mettenberger's lack of mobility:

Though Mettenberger won't have a chance to finish his rookie season, wide receiver Nate Washington shared his take on the quarterback's development in his first year, per Wyatt.    

"Every week we have seen him grow. … We have seen him grow constantly," Washington said. "It is up to the veteran guys around him to continue to care, to continue to … give him an opportunity."

The Titans will have to wait until next season to see if they can surround Mettenberger with players who will give him that opportunity. 

Sunday, Dec. 7

Mettenberger Leaves Game vs. Giants

The Tennessee Titans' quarterback carousel is set to start spinning once again, as Zach Mettenberger was forced to leave the team's Week 14 game with the New York Giants with a shoulder injury.  

The Titans provided more information about the quarterback's status:

Around the NFL described the play that injured Mettenberger:

It's the second time Mettenberger has been an injury concern in recent weeks. He previously dealt with an AC joint issue in his throwing shoulder. That caused Jake Locker to come in during the second half of the team's loss to the Houston Texans in Week 13.

As mentioned, Tennessee has been switching quarterbacks at a pretty high rate this season. Along with Mettenberger and Locker, Charlie Whitehurst has also received some playing time. No one from the trio has stood out, however.

Figuring out what direction to go at the most important position on the field is a main priority for the Titans. They can give Mettenberger the reins for another season, try to bring in a veteran or use their first-round pick on a potential franchise signal-caller.

That's a conversation for the offseason, though. For now, the Titans are focused on finishing the season as strong as possible after things spiraled out of control pretty early.