NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Titans quarterback Blaine Gabbert, who guided the team to a comeback win after replacing Marcus Mariota in Saturday's game, led the team in Wednesday's practice.
Gabbert, who completed 7-of-11 passes for 101 yards and a touchdown against the Redskins, would start if Mariota can't play vs. the Colts. Austin Davis, signed earlier in the week, also worked in today's practice.
In Week Two, Gabbert started and guided the Titans to a win over the Texans. He also started a Week 3 win vs. the Jaguars, but was knocked out early in that contest. On the season, Gabbert has completed 43-of-72 passes (59.7 percent) for 461 yards, with an 80.3 rating.
"I think he's been great," Titans coach Mike Vrabel said of Gabbert. "That's the reason why everybody is here – everybody has a job to do, whether that be as a starter or as a back-up. … We all have to focus on our job and I think he has done that as well as some other guys who've been able to step in there and help us."
A seven-year veteran, Davis has spent time with the Rams, Dolphins, Browns, Broncos and Seahawks during his NFL career, and he joined the Titans in September. He's played in 16 career games, and has completed 236-of-378 passes for 2,548 yards and 13 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions.
Davis (6-2, 221) played collegiately at Southern Miss, and he spent the 2017 season as quarterback Russell Wilson's back-up in Seattle. He was signed by the Titans earlier this season after Gabbert suffered a concussion, but was released two weeks later.
"We had some familiarity with Austin, and like where he was at and how he operated in the offense and communicating it," Vrabel said of Davis. "So we just felt like this was a good time to bring him in and help us through practice and do some things."
On the Defense
The Colts had their way with the Titans earlier this season in a 38-10 win.
Quarterback Andrew Luck threw for 297 yards and three touchdowns in that contest, and receiver T.Y. Hilton racked up 155 receiving yards and two touchdowns on nine catches in the game.
Titans linebacker Rashaan Evans said the defense has to find a way to pressure Luck, and slow down the Colts.
"Try and make him do opposite of what he is good at," Evans said of Luck. "He wants to be a guy that sits in the pocket, and we want to get him rolling out, and get him on the run so he can make harder throws than what he has been making. I think that is one of the main things we'll try and do.
"I think the defense, we feel like we have to take it up another level and play our best game on Sunday. I feel like we'll be ready for the challenge."
Injury Update
Mariota did not practice on Wednesday. He's listed on the Injury Report with foot and neck injuries.
Linebacker Brian Orakpo (elbow) did not practice on Wednesday.
Receiver Tajae Sharpe (ankle) was limited, while linebacker Sharif Finch (shoulder) was a full participant.
The Tennessee Titans take the field for practice on Wednesday, Dec. 26, 2018 at Saint Thomas Sports Park. (Photos: Gary Glenn)
