Titans QB Marcus Mariota will be a game-time decision

HOUSTON, TX - OCTOBER 01: Marcus Mariota
HOUSTON, TX - OCTOBER 01: Marcus Mariota /
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After sustaining a hamstring injury against the Houston Texans, Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota will be a game-time decision.

After leaving the Tennessee Titans’ week four contest against the Houston Texans early, quarterback Marcus Mariota may not play against the Miami Dolphins in week five. The third-year player will be a game-time decision.

Mariota is a key piece to the Titans chances of making the playoffs. This is why the team is being cautious with his recovery. One game against the Dolphins just is not worth the rest of the season. Mariota agrees, “My first and foremost goal is to get healthy. If I am able to play, I’d love to play.”

The Titans quarterback certainly wants to play. He also knows he is the best option for his team to win and keep their playoff hopes alive. Tennessee is tied at 2-2 atop the AFC South along with the Houston Texans and the Jacksonville Jaguars. All three teams have a division record of 1-1.

This season, Mariota sits a bit below his statistical average. He has a 60 completion percentage, a 3:3 touchdown to interception ratio and only 792 yards on 110 attempts, which is good for 7.2 yards per attempt. The other two years, he sat around a 61.5 completion percentage, has a 45:19 touchdown to interception ratio, and averages 7.6 yards per attempt.

Still, Mariota is the Titans’ best chance to win. He is responsible for three of the team’s seven rushing touchdowns and leads the team in yards per rushing attempt. As a result, he moves the chains. He has also kept his team in the top ten in points, rushing touchdowns, the percentage of drives ending in scores and points per drive.

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While Mariota has yet to have a ten-win season, it would pretty much be impossible without him. He is a bright young star in the league, and the Titans need him healthy to keep their playoff hopes alive.