NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota has shown some positive signs following the injury he suffered in Saturday's win over the Redskins.
His status for Sunday's game against the Colts, however, won't be known until later in the week, according to coach Mike Vrabel.
During a press conference on Monday, Vrabel said the injury is not the same one he suffered against the Dolphins in Week One, an elbow injury that lingered and caused him to wear a makeshift glove on his throwing hand the first half of the season.
"That's not the same issue,'' Vrabel said of Mariota. "The issue is a stinger. When you get hit, unfortunately, and tackled to the ground like we'd rather not have our quarterbacks be, sometimes those things happen.
"We'll see kind of where (Marcus) is at today. We are going to do a little bit of individual work on the field and see if he can do any of that stuff, and then we'll kind of keep moving on towards the end of the week and make sure he can do everything that we ask our quarterbacks to do."
Mariota suffered the injury late in the first half of Saturday's game vs. the Redskins, and he did not return.
Back-up quarterback Blaine Gabbert stepped in for Mariota, and guided the Titans to a 25-16 win.
"He feels a lot better than what he did after (suffering injuries vs the Dolphins and Colts earlier this season), after talking to him this morning," Vrabel said of Mariota.
Vrabel there's a scenario where Mariota could play even if he's limited during the course of the practice week.
Mariota was injured after being sacked on a first-and-10 play from the Redskins 14. Trainers examined Mariota on the field, and he headed to the locker room prior to the half. Mariota remained in the locker room during the second half of the contest.
Mariota completed 10-of-13 passes for 110 yards before leaving the contest.
The Titans wrap up the regular season next Sunday against the Colts, needing a win to advance into the playoffs.
What would Vrabel like to see from Mariota during the week to let him know he's able to play? Vrabel said Mariota is no different than other players on the roster.
"One: Are you going to make it worse? Two: Can you protect yourself? And Three: Can you execute the game plan that we think is going to be able to win?," Vrabel said. "I would probably just insert that answer for that specific player, or any other player that you would talk about or ask about, as it relates to injuries and his availability, being able to play and ultimately help us win."
Also on the injury front, Vrabel said defensive tackle Jurrell Casey won't be available for Sunday's game because of a knee injury. Outside linebacker Brian Orakpo, who has missed the previous two games with an elbow injury, will be evaluated during the week, Vrabel said.
