The Titans have a decision to make this upcoming offseason in regard to their quarterback situation. Both Ryan Tannehill and Marcus Mariota are under contract with the team only through the remainder of this season; Mariota's departure seems a foregone conclusion. But Tannehill could give the Titans something to think about with more of what he's done through his four weeks as the starter.

Tannehill has completed 70% of his passes and is 3-1 since taking over the team. Tannehill doesn't seem like the long term solution, but it's possible the team brings him back and drafts another signal caller next spring.

The Titans are making a QB change. Ryan Tannehill has been informed he’ll get the start Sunday against the Chargers. Former No. 2 overall pick Marcus Mariota goes to the bench.

Marcus Mariota had a couple of good games this season, but for the most part he has been uninspiring, to say the least. Ryan Tannehill isn't the answer long-term for Tennessee, but he should give the passing offense a little jump start for a while.

Marcus Mariota said the benching over his poor play – he completed seven of 18 passes for 63 yards with two interceptions – was a first for him and conceded that “as an athlete, maybe” this is the most adversity he’s ever faced.

“I will evaluate with (general manager) Jon (Robinson) and the coaching staff,” HC Mike Vrabel said, “but I will let you know as soon as I figure out and do what is best for the team.”

Related players: Ryan Tannehill

Benching Mariota itself held great significance as the Titans continue to evaluate their fifth-year quarterback who is in the final season of his rookie contract. The story said under Tannehill, the offense didn't score but did at least show signs of life as he went 13-for-16 for 144 yards and an INT.

Marcus Mariota's quad injury is not very serious.

Related players: Ryan Tannehill

Mariota was listed as DNP on Monday even though the Titans didn't actually practice, but it looks like he's going to be good to go for Thursday night's matchup against the Jags.

Despite national analysts like ESPN’s Dianna Russini pushing the idea the Titans have allowed Ryan Tannehill to go at it with Marcus Mariota for the starting role, every piece of evidence to this point indicates that's nothing but noise.

Mariota got every first-team rep through training camp, except during Day 9 when he sat out for rest. With only three weeks until the season opener at Cleveland, the Titans would be putting themselves at a significant disadvantage by swapping in Tannehill as the No. 1 quarterback this late in the process.

The story went on to list several other reasons why Mariota should win the job, and among them was Tannehill himself saying he doesn't think him starting is an option at this point. Mariota also looked sharp against the Patriots on Saturday, an improvement over Week 1 of the preseason. Earlier today we had a report that stated Tannehill could be in the mix to win the job but this article certainly goes against that.

While Marcus Mariota hasn’t stood out this preseason (this column was written before Saturday night’s game), Ryan Tannehill threw for 130 yards and two touchdowns in the first exhibition game. And one report from ESPN this past week stated that Mariota is no lock to start in Week 1, with some of the Titans coaches preferring Tannehill, who ran a similar offense in Miami.

The Titans gave Mariota his fifth-year option but not an extension, and then signed Tannehill to give him competition. The story said even if Mariota wins the job, he won't be on a long leash.

Since Ryan Tannehill arrived in Tennessee, Mike Vrabel repeatedly has had to answer questions about Marcus Mariota‘s hold on the starting job. The Titans coach has never wavered.

But the questions aren’t going away.

Vrabel again had to address the topic this week during a conference call for the American Century Championship celebrity golf tournament. He again gave Mariota a vote of confidence.

Vrabel went on to say Tannehill's job as the backup is to "push the guy in front of him." Of course, Mariota has to stay healthy for this to hold true. He's getting paid $20.9 million this season as the team picked up his fifth-year option and it's certainly a make-or-break year for the QB.

Marcus Mariota said there is no surgical procedure that needs to be done.

Mariota is dealing with a nerve issue but the rest of the tweet went on to say he just has to get healthy and rest.

Titans inactives
QB Marcus Mariota
LB Brian Orakpo
CB Kenneth Durden
RB Jeremy McNichols
LB LaTroy Lewis
G Aaron Stinnie
T Tyler Marz

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