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Vrabel: Titans QBs Marcus Mariota, Blaine Gabbert Both Expected to Play vs. Texans

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NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The Titans are still evaluating quarterback Marcus Mariota, and coach Mike Vrabel said on Friday he anticipates Mariota and Blaine Gabbert both playing on Sunday.

The Titans face the Texans in the home opener at Nissan Stadium.

"(He's) trying," Vrabel said of Mariota. "We are evaluating. We anticipate both of those guys playing in the game, OK? We are going to have to do a lot of things to win this football game, and I would anticipate both of those guys playing at some point and time.

"Marcus is going to do everything he can to get ready, like every player is going to do everything they can to get ready for the game on Sunday."

Mariota didn't finish Sunday's season opener against the Dolphins after suffering an elbow injury. He was a full participant in Wednesday's session, but the team decided to scale back his work a day later. That was also the case on Friday for Mariota, who was on the practice field, in uniform.

"I would say it's about status quo," Vrabel replied when asked if Mariota's condition had improved. "I think it's probably about stagnant as far as improvement. It kind of is what it is."

Mariota was injured after taking a hit by Dolphins defensive lineman William Hayes, a former Titan. Mariota had just handed the ball off to running back Derrick Henry, and he didn't have the ball when he was hit.

After initially trying to come back and play, Mariota was eventually replaced for good by Gabbert.

Mariota finished the contest 9-of-16 for 103 yards, with a 36.2 passer rating and the two interceptions. Gabbert was 11-of-22 for 117 yards, and he guided a second half drive.

Mariota said on Wednesday he doesn't think velocity will be a problem, and said he's working through some of the symptoms, including some slight tingling, but he's optimistic moving forward

Vrabel said Gabbert, signed this offseason after playing last season with the Cardinals, has benefited from the extra work.

The Tennessee Titans take the field for practice on Thursday, Sept. 13, 2018 at Saint Thomas Sports Park. (Photos: Gary Glenn)

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