Marcus Mariota Injury: Updates on Titans QB's Knee and Return

Tennessee Titans rookie quarterback Marcus Mariota stayed in the game after taking a hit from Miami Dolphins defensive end Olivier Vernon in Week 6, but he was later diagnosed with an MCL sprain and has missed the team's last two games.

However, Mariota will return for the Titans' Week 9 matchup against the New Orleans Saints.

Continue for updates.

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Mariota Active vs. Saints

Sunday, Nov. 8 

The Titans confirmed Mariota is active for the matchup against New Orleans.

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Latest on Mariota's Practice Status

Wednesday, Nov. 6

The Titans revealed Mariota was a full participant in practice for the third-straight day.

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Mariota Comments on Recovery

Wednesday, Nov. 4

"It's continue to monitor, it felt good today," Mariota said, per Kuharsky. "But again it's going to be kind of a collective decision throughout the week whether or not I'll be ready to go."

Prior to Week 8, Mariota stated he has to be able to move in the pocket to play, and he will likely wear a brace when he returns, per John Glennon of the Tennessean.

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Whisenhunt Comments on Mariota's Recovery

Friday, Oct. 30

"He made a lot of progress this week and he has done a nice job, and I think he is close," former Titans head coach Ken Whisenhunt told reporters. "But we are not going to play him this week. I think that is the best decision for him and that is what we are going to go with."

Whisenhunt also detailed what went into the decision to sit Mariota for a second straight game.

"I think physically he is right on the line of being able to go, but it is a tough enough position to play, without getting the bulk of the reps, that was part of it," Whisenhunt said.

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Titans Reportedly Comfortable with Mettenberger 

Tuesday, Oct. 20

Jason Cole of Bleacher Report passed along what he was hearing regarding the severity of Mariota's knee injury and the Titans' faith in backup Zach Mettenberger:

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Mariota Has Showcased Toughness Behind Porous Offensive Line

Mariota has often opted to hang in the pocket in his first taste of NFL action, rather than using his unique athleticism to bail out and make plays with his legs. It's offset some of the concern regarding his mobility and how it may leave him susceptible to injury.

However, the Titans have struggled to protect the quarterback, allowing 21 sacks this season, the fifth-highest total in the league.

During his time at the University of Oregon, Mariota suffered a couple of notable injuries, neither of which turned out to be particularly severe. As a redshirt sophomore, he fell victim to a partial MCL sprain in a 26-20 loss to Stanford, but it didn't force him to miss any time.

More than a year later, Mariota got banged up in a loss on a much bigger stage. As the Ducks fell to Ohio State, 42-20, in the College Football Playoff National Championship Game, Mariota suffered an AC joint sprain in his right shoulder. However, he was able to make a swift recovery and throw at the NFL combine the following month.

The Titans can take comfort in the fact that Mettenberger has flashed starting-caliber chops and can help keep Tennessee's offense afloat. He may be a downgrade as an athlete outside the pocket, but Mettenberger has the arm strength to hold down the fort.

However, given Tennessee's struggles up front, keeping Mariota upright will be vital to the team's success and his health going forward.