The Titans are almost certainly going to have their starting quarterback running the show on Monday night. Marcus Mariota is no longer on the injury report after practicing in full Saturday, Ian Rapoport of NFL.com tweets.
Mariota suffered a stinger against the Colts and was taken out midway through the Titans’ loss. He returned to practice this week and got in full workouts on Friday and Saturday after beginning the work week limited.
Troubled by an elbow injury during the early portion of the season and entering Week 9 with just three touchdown passes, Mariota threw four TDs in the next two Tennessee games — wins over Dallas and New England — and is an obviously significant component of the Titans’ playoff equation. He’s completing 67 percent of his passes, which would be far and away a career high, and is averaging 7.3 yards per attempt.
Blaine Gabbert came in for Mariota during the Titans’ 38-10 loss in Indianapolis but will not be in line to take snaps on Monday night against the Texans, barring another Mariota injury.
The tough break Titans have most of the playoff tie breakers working against them and now they have to visit Houston where the Texans will be extra motivated to win for their late owner.