The Tennessee Titans will be down a quarterback for a significant amount of time moving forward. But don’t worry, Titans fans. Your beloved Marcus Mariota is coming along in his recovery from the broken leg he suffered last season as scheduled.
His backup, however, will miss about six weeks.
Matt Cassel, the man who has commandeered the Titans offense during OTAs, sustained an injury to his right thumb last week and will need surgery.
“[Cassel] will need to have a pin put in it and probably will be out about six weeks,” coach Mike Mularkey said after Wednesday’s practice. “He should be ready to go for training camp.”
Cassel took over as the team’s starter when Mariota was lost to injury last December in a loss against the Jacksonville Jaguars and has handled the starting offense during 11-on-11 drills this off-season. Mariota has participated in seven-on-seven dills, individual position sessions and walk-throughs over the course of OTAs.
Nashville, TN May 12, 2017 – St. Thomas Sports Park – Mike Mularkey addresses the media after OTAs. (Photo by Buck Reising ESPN Nashville)
Cassel signed a two-year deal to remain in Nashville during the off-season. His responsibilities will now fall to third-string quarterback Alex Taney.
“I’ve had the same approach ever since I’ve been here. I haven’t gotten a lot of reps since I got here; every rep counts and you’ve got to take advantage of it,” Tanney said. “I’ve had the same approach — trying to learn everything I can in the classroom and apply it on the field. I’ve been here on practice squads and been up and down in a couple years.
“I’m preparing just like I’m going to play, even though I know I’m not suiting up on Sundays. So I have that approach in the off-season. I go about it the same way.”
Both Tanney and undrafted free agent quarterback Tyler Ferguson will see an increase in snaps as OTAs continue.
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