Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota was able to remain in the game on Sunday after receiving a low and potentially dirty hit from Miami Dolphins defensive lineman Olivier Vernon.
Unfortunately for the Titans, an MRI on Monday confirmed that the rookie quarterback suffered a sprained MCL. In making the announcement, Titans head coach Ken Whisenhunt refused to say one way or another whether Mariota will be able to go next week against the Atlanta Falcons:
If Mariota is unable to go, Zach Mettenberger will get the start.
Based off what we saw with Tyrod Taylor in Buffalo last week, there's a decent chance Mariota will miss Sunday's game. Though, that really depends on his his body reacts to the sprain and how severe it was in comparison to Taylor's injury.
While losing Mariota for a week or two might not be the best thing for his progression, it sure beats the alternative. When the play happened, there was some concern that he had suffered an ACL injury.
Neither Mariota nor Mettenberger are realistic fantasy options against a ball-hawking Falcons defense that has scored three touchdowns in six games.