NASHVILLE, Tenn. — In the process of recovering from a fractured fibula he sustained last year, Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota participated in some full team work for the first time this season in Tuesday’s OTAs.
Coach Mike Mularkey made it clear in mid-May that his staff would not hurry the young signal-caller back to full participation but also made it a point of emphasis that they would bring him along with more 7-on-7 work than they have done in years past to help develop the chemistry between Mariota and his new receivers.
Nashville, TN – May 12, 2017 – St. Thomas Sports Park – Titans quarterbacks & running backs practice their handoffs during OTAs (Photo by Buck Reising ESPN Nashville)
“You’re talking about timing in the passing game, that’s one way to be able to do it without a rush in his face and having to move,” Mularkey said on May 13th. “It’s one way. We’re working on other ways to get the work done.”
The Titans added wide receiver Corey Davis with the fifth overall pick in the first round of this year’s NFL Draft in addition to Taywan Taylor and Jonnu Smith with the team’s two third round picks.
Davis is also recovering from ankle surgery this off-season, making the need to get Mariota and his new targets in sync all the more imperative.
With second-stringer Matt Cassel out for at about six weeks, Mariota worked briefly with the starting offense before turning the reins over to Alex Tanney, who has seen more practice reps while Cassel & Mariota work their way back to full health. Running back Derrick Henry filled in during first-team reps with regular starter DeMarco Murray absent from Tuesday’s practice.
In the meantime, Mariota will continue to participate in 7-on-7 and individual drills. The team will likely reevaluate his progress and increased workload before mandatory minicamp kicks off next week.
Comments