Derrick Henry, Blaine Gabbert keep Titans playoff hopes alive after Marcus Mariota injury

The Titans rallied behind Blaine Gabbert in the second half after the latest injury to Marcus Mariota threatened to derail their playoff hopes.

Marcus Mariota is hurt, again, and it’s up to Blaine Gabbert to keep the Tennessee Titans in the playoff race. 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.

Without Mariota, the Titans turned to Gabbert who finished 7-of-11 for 101 yards and the game-winning touchdown to MyCole Pruitt with 4:30 left.

The Titans trailed 10-9 at the half but got their 10th win of the season with a 25-16 win to stay alive in the playoff picture.

Derrick Henry ran for 84 yards and scored the first touchdown of the game as his hot streak continues. He ran for 33 yards on the touchdown drive that made the play action pass to Pruitt seal the game.

Malcolm Butler returned an interception on the final play of the game with Washington trailing by three with six seconds left. Kevin Byard had what appeared to be the game-sealing interception on the ensuing possession.

Gabbert will start in the season finale next week vs. the Colts with a potential Wild Card spot hanging in the balance. The status of Mariota will be further evaluated as the week progresses. If he can’t start, the Titans will lean on Henry and rally after another injury to their franchise quarterback.

If Gabbert leads the Titans to another win next week and gets in the playoffs, could he start over Mariota, if he’s healthy? It makes for an interesting question should that unfold.

Titans fans will want to root for the Ravens and Colts to lose their games this week to put themselves in a better position in the playoff standings entering the final weekend.

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