Titans hope to get 'emotional spark' from Mariota's return

By foxsports
Published

Losers of six in a row, the Tennessee Titans may be about to get some good news for a change with the expected return of quarterback Marcus Mariota to the lineup.

Titans head coach Ken Whisenhunt said Monday he expects Mariota to be a full participant in Wednesday's practice and be able to play Sunday against the New Orleans Saints.

The No. 2 overall pick in last April's draft, Mariota has missed the last two games with a sprained MCL suffered Oct. 18 against the Miami Dolphins.

“Any time you get your starter back it is always an emotional spark, I think,’’ Whisenhunt said, per the team's official website.

Mariota helped lead the Titans to their lone victory of the season in the season-opener against Tampa Bay.

Second-year player Zach Mettenberger started at quarterback for Tennessee the last two weeks, with the Titans combining to score just 13 points.