Report: Titans QB Marcus Mariota sustains MCL injury, will undergo MRI

Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota reportedly sustained an MCL injury in his right knee during Sunday’s game against the New England Patriots and will undergo an MRI

Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota sustained an MCL injury in his right knee during Sunday’s game against the New England Patriots and will undergo an MRI, reports Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk.

Mariota exited early in the second quarter after he was sacked and held his knee. After taking the hit, trainers looked at Mariota’s right leg as he ran up and down the sidelines. 

Backup quarterback Zach Mettenberger came in for the rest of the game.

Titans interim head coach Mike Mularkeytold a TV reporter at halftime that the quarterback would not return for the second half in order to be cautious with the situation. After the game, Mularkey said he didn’t think the injury was serious and that it was best to keep Mariota out.

Mariota said he didn’t think he would be out the rest of the year, adding that he wanted to go back in, but not playing at 100% would hurt the team.

In October, Mariota missed two games for the Titans after sustaining a knee injury. Mettenberger started in Mariota’s absence before the rookie quarterback returned for Tennessee’s game against the New Orleans Saints on Nov. 8.

Mariota, the second pick in this year’s draft, has appeared in 11 games, completing 62.4% of his passes for 2,786 yards, with 19 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. 

The Patriots defeated the Titans, 33–16.