The Tennessee Titans lost quarterback Marcus Mariota to a scary ankle injury in Week 16 against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Down 25-10 and needing a win to keep playoff hopes alive, Mariota was still on the field and rolled out to avoid rushers before getting taken down.
The hit:
https://vine.co/v/50QMU1qu5DT
Twitter rounded up the immediate situation and status:
#Titans QB Marcus Mariota has his leg immobilized and is being carted off the field.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 24, 2016
Marcus Mariota suffers right ankle injury. Video showed probable ankle fracture and syndesmosis disruption. Surgery & 6 month recovery.
— Dr. Mark Adickes (@jocktodoc) December 24, 2016
What a game-changer. Marcus mariota possibly breaking his leg. Being carted off the field
— Family of John Clayton (@JohnClaytonNFL) December 24, 2016
No NFL fan wants to see this…
Marcus Mariota is being carted off in Jacksonville. pic.twitter.com/QLC0x8u25D— NFL on CBS 🏈 (@NFLonCBS) December 24, 2016
It’s a terrible turn of events for Mariota, who unexpectedly has the Titans at 8-6 and right in the thick of the playoff hunt. Mariota had thrown for 99 yards and a score in the losing effort on the road, though he entered the game with 3,327 yards and 25 touchdowns to nine interceptions on the year.
The Titans had been legit playoff contenders too, scoring wins against teams such as the Denver Broncos, Kansas City Chiefs and Green Bay Packers. Losing in Week 16 would mean going against the Houston Texans in Week 17 with division implications on the line.
More importantly, though, is how the Titans would fare without Mariota under center. Veteran Matt Cassel is the backup, though the running game featuring DeMarco Murray and Derrick Henry can only do so much. Ditto for a defense that has exceeded expectations and propped up the offense at times.
Stay tuned for updates.
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