NASHVILLE – Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota was back in the saddle on Sunday, if only for two plays.
Mariota played for the first time since October 13 in the team's game against the Texans – he completed a pass and handed the ball off once.
Will we see him again on Saturday when the Titans face the Patriots in the first round of the playoffs?
"Any sort of wrinkle, anything that I can provide to this team, this offense, I am more than willing to do it," Mariota said on Tuesday. "It was good (to play). However I can help this team win I am more than willing to do that."
After Sunday's game, Titans coach Mike Vrabel was asked about Mariota's first action in over two months.
"Marcus has continued to improve, and we're going to need him through this run somehow, some way," Vrabel said. "He's continuing to improve and work, and again, was able to get him in the game, and hopefully that package can continue to grow as we move forward."
Mariota started the first six games of the season for the Titans before being replaced by Ryan Tannehill, who guided the team to a 7-3 mark down the stretch while finishing as the NFL's top-rated passer.
Mariota's 24-yard completion to rookie A.J. Brown on Sunday got the receiver over the 1,000-yard mark for the season.
"It was really cool," Mariota said of Brown. "A young guy coming into this league, how he transitioned, he has been a great player for us. I think this is just a stepping stone and I'm excited for him."
In practices this week, Mariota will play the part of Patriots quarterback Tom Brady, and he hopes to do his part to help the defense.
"He is arguably the best quarterback that's played this game," Mariota said of Brady. "I just have to do my job to hopefully emulate that. Any little thing that they see on tape I am going to try and emulate and give them the best look possible."
No matter what, Mariota said he'll be ready to do his part.
"I just focus on trying to help this team win," Mariota said. "I just want to be ready if my number is called to make plays and help wherever I can."
