Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota has been ruled out of Sunday’s game with the Atlanta Falcons.
Mariota suffered an MCL sprain after taking a low hit from Dolphins DE Olivier Vernon last week, a hit which cost Vernon $37,363.
The #Titans have ruled out QB Marcus Mariota for Sunday, coach Ken Whisenhunt said.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 23, 2015
Marcus Mariota didn't practice again. Same MCL sprain in left knee as 2013, when Mariota played last 5 games but didn't have much mobility.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 22, 2015
Mariota’s name can be added to a growing list of injured starting quarterbacks. Among the list is the Cowboys’ Tony Romo and the Steelers’ Ben Roethlisberger. It’s unfortunate to see any player go down hurt, but losing a quarterback can have devastating consequences for a team’s season. Just ask the Cowboys, who have lost every game since Romo went down in Week 2.
Mariota’s absence means second-year quarterback Zach Mettenberger will suit up to play Atlanta. If the Falcons weren’t already strong favorites, they are now without the rookie passer on the field.
The former Duck is not the only notable name on the injury report for Tennessee. Also out is former Atlanta Falcon Harry Douglas.
With #Titans WR Harry Douglas (ribs) out for Sunday, that leaves team with 3 WRs on active roster. They have 2 WRs on practice squad.
— Adam Caplan (@caplannfl) October 23, 2015
Douglas joined the Titans in free agency this year after spending seven years in Atlanta. It will be a shame to not be able to see him line up against his old team. This means we could see more of rookie Dorial Green-Beckham.
Stay tuned to Blogging Dirty for more injury updates. You can find the full Falcons injury report here.