Marcus Mariota's status is uncertain, but there's good news: He feels better.
Mariota's injury, which the Titans are calling a stinger, is improving, according to coach Mike Vrabel, who hoped his quarterback can complete some work Monday and during the week. He is considered day to day.
Mariota missed the entire second half of Saturday's win over the Washington Redskins due to the injury, which he sustained while being sacked by defensive tackle Jonathan Allen. He was listed as questionable, but never returned as Blaine Gabbert led the Titans to a 25-16 win.
Gabbert was adequate in the victory, completing 7 of 11 passes for 101 yards and the go-ahead touchdown on a well-timed play-action bootleg pass to tight end MyCole Pruitt. But in the larger scheme, the Titans are undoubtedly better with Mariota under center than Gabbert, no matter how admirable of an effort he provided in relief. With a huge showdown ahead on Sunday night against the Colts, this will be a topic worth monitoring all week.
Tennessee will definitely be without perhaps its most important defender, though. Defensive tackle Jurrell Casey (knee) was put on injured reserve Monday. Casey suffered the injury Saturday, needed to be helped off the field and did not return.
In corresponding moves, the Titans added a third quarterback to the roster as they added quarterback Austin Davis for the second time this season and promoted linebacker LaTroy Lewis from the practice squad.
Elsewhere in injury news:
- Carolina Panthers quarterback Taylor Heinicke (elbow) is undergoing an MRI and will be evaluated further, coach Ron Rivera said Monday.
- Los Angeles Rams running back Todd Gurley (knee), who sat out Week 16's win over the Arizona Cardinals, might also miss Week 17's game, NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported. He is considered day to day, coach Sean McVay said Monday. Safety Lamarcus Joyner (ankle) is also considered day to day, per McVay.
- Philadelphia Eagles coach Doug Pederson confirmed to reporters Monday quarterback Nick Foles will start in Week 17 against the Redskins. Carson Wentz (back) will remain on the 53-man roster.
- Houston Texans coach Bill O'Brien said he believes running back Lamar Millerhas a chance of playing in Week 16 after missing Sunday's game with an ankle injury. The Texans placed wide receiver wide receiver Demaryius Thomas (Achilles) and cornerback Kayvon Webster (thigh) on injured reserve.
- Pittsburgh Steelers coach Mike Tomlin told reporters Sunday linebacker Vince Williams (foot) was undergoing further evaluation.
- Chicago Bears coach Matt Nagy said Monday that he's "cautiously optimistic" that guard Kyle Long (foot), who recently returned to practice after he was injured on Oct. 28, will play on Sunday in the regular season finale against the Vikings. Long has been on injured reserve.
- Seattle Seahawks coach Pete Carroll said safety Tedric Thompson, who missed Sunday night's game against the Chiefs with a chest injury, had a big test on Wednesday to take care of issues with his lungs. Carroll is also uncertain if he'll have starting guard J.R. Sweezy, who sprained his foot, for the regular-season finale against the Cardinals.
- San Francisco 49ers running back Matt Breida (ankle) and wide receiverDante Pettis (knee) won't play Week 17 against the Los Angeles Rams, coach Kyle Shanahan said. Tight end Garrett Celek is in concussion protocol and wide receiver Marquise Goodwin (calf) and cornerback K'Waun Williams (knee) are dealing with injuries.
- Atlanta Falcons running back Tevin Coleman (groin), who strained his groin on Sunday against the Panthers, has a good shot at playing in the season finale, coach Dan Quinn said Monday.
- Dallas Cowboys defensive end Tyrone Crawford suffered through a scary situation on Sunday against the Buccaneers when he was carted off the field and taken to a hospital with a neck injury. He was later released and on Monday sent out a message of thanks to all his well-wishers.
- Oakland Raiders cornerback Gareon Conley (concussion) was downgraded from questionable to out ahead of Monday night's clash with the Broncos. In addition, the team placed cornerbackDaryl Worley (shoulder) on injured reserve.
- The Philadelphia Eagles activated wide receiver Mike Wallace off injured reserve. Wallace suffered a broken leg in September.
- Denver Broncos rookie running back Phillip Lindsay exited Monday's loss against the Oakland Raiders early after suffering a wrist injury in the second half. Coach Vance Joseph said Lindsay is scheduled to undergo an MRI on Tuesday. Wide receiver Andre Holmes also is set to have an MRI after suffering an ankle injury in the loss.
