Tennessee Titans head coach Ken Whisenhunt confirmed that quarterback Marcus Mariota has a sprained MCL. Whisenhunt would not rule out Mariota for Week 7, saying that he is “walking around fine.” The Titans will monitor his status this week.
Marcus Mariota has sprained MCL; fantasy status uncertain for Week 7
The rookie quarterback was diagnosed with a sprained MCL, although he hasn’t been ruled out for Week 7 yet. We break down the fantasy implications.
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Mariota suffered the injury in Sunday’s loss to the Miami Dolphins, when defensive lineman Olivier Vernon dove into his legs. Whisenhunt was incensed by the play, calling it “BS football,” but Mariota stayed in the game until Zach Mettenberger replaced him in garbage time.
The No. 2 overall draft pick has thrown for 1,239 yards, nine touchdowns and five interceptions in five games.
Fantasy impact: Although the Titans aren’t ruling out Mariota yet, sprained MCLs typically take a few weeks to recover from, and the smarter move might be to sit and protect their prized franchise quarterback. Even if Mariota plays this week, he won’t be a fantasy option at less than 100 percent behind a poor offensive line. Mettenberger would be a bottom-barrel QB2 option if he gets the nod against the Atlanta Falcons.
