NASHVILLE, Tenn. – After going through the entire portion of practice open to the media, Titans quarterback Zach Mettenberger left nothing to question in regards to his status Sunday.
"Felt fine. I'm definitely playing this week," Mettenberger said.
The rookie QB went on to elaborate on how his injured shoulder was feeling.
"It's sore, but it's something I've got to work through," he said. "It's not 100 percent right now and I didn't try to push it today. I was out there making the intermediate throws and doing what I can."
The injury occurred on Sunday against the Texans when Mettenberger took a hard hit from J.J. Watt in the third quarter. To that point, Mettenberger had completed 13 of 19 passes for 184 yards, one touchdown and one interception.
On Monday he walked through the locker room waving his right arm telling the media he would see us Sunday, an indication that he was feeling good. Two days later, Mettenberger hasn't changed his tune.
"It's only been three days since I injured it, so obviously there's soreness still," he said. "I can't go out there and 100 percent rip a ball right now, but I'm sure by the end of the week I'll be fine."
The X-Ray and MRI came back negative. Whisenhunt mentioned Monday that it wasn't as bad as it could have been. He went on to say Wednesday that if he played any other position than quarterback, Mettenberger would have come back into the game Sunday.
There's a picture of Watt taking a knee while trainers checked Mettenberger out on the field, but Mettenberger said the Texans star didn't say anything as he left the field.
Now shifting focus to the New York Giants, the Titans expect another physical game with a defense that recorded seven sacks in Week 13 against Jacksonville.
"They're a physical team and they do their stuff well," Mettenberger said. "They have their backs against the wall like we do and are desperate for a win. It's going to be a dog fight."
There are no updates on the status of tackles Michael Oher and Taylor Lewan, but Chance Warmack is expected to be available Sunday. The Titans also signed tackle Terren Jones off the Ravens practice squad to help bolster a depleted offensive line.
You won't hear anyone in the team's locker room making excuses, however, as there is still a job to be done.
"We've got to do our jobs," said Mettenberger. "With guys going down, guys have to step up and be ready to shoulder the workload in practice and be mentally ready for whatever might come."
On the season, Mettenberger has thrown for 1,287 yards, eight touchdowns and six interceptions. Sunday would mark his sixth consecutive start since taking over the job in Week 8 vs. Houston.
