NASHVILLE, TN – DECEMBER 22: Marcus Mariota #8 of the Tennessee Titans looks to pass against the Washington Redskins during the first quarter at Nissan Stadium on December 22, 2018 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Frederick Breedon/Getty Images)
Marcus Mariota exited after a hit from Redskins defensive end Jonathan Allen.
Marcus Mariota is hurt, again, and it’s up to Blaine Gabbert to keep the Tennessee Titans playoff hopes alive vs. Washington.
Mariota left late in the first half after he was sacked by Jonathan Allen, his eighth of the year, with a stinger in his neck/shoulder area. Mariota previously missed time this year with an elbow injury that caused nerve issues, including the inability to feel the football in his hand.
The Titans are continuing to monitor Mariota in the locker room as the second half began without Mariota on the field. His return to the game is questionable but more likely, he’s out for the game and his status for the Week 17 finale vs. the Colts will be determined later.
Without Mariota, the Titans will need to rely on running back Derrick Henry who has had at least 170 yards and two touchdowns in the last two games. LaDainian Tomlinson is the last player to accomplish that feat, so it’s up to Henry to lead the Titans past John Johnson and Washington.
The Titans trailed 10-9 at the half.
There shouldn’t be any excuses for the Titans considering Washington is down to their fourth quarterback on the year. Johnson was drafted to the AAC football league and yet he’s leading the Redskins to a lead in the second half vs. the Titans.
If the Titans are unable to come back with Gabbert at the helm, Titans fans will need to root for the Baltimore Ravens and Indianapolis Colts to lose their games to make this loss somewhat easier to swallow. They’ll also be hoping Mariota’s elbow is good to let him play next week.