NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota on Friday practiced for the third straight day, and coach Mike Mularkey said he continues to show improvement.
The Titans are hoping Mariota will be able to return to action against the Colts on Monday night at Nissan Stadium.
He was "limited" on Friday, per Mularkey.
"We'll have the injury report out (Saturday), for the game," Mularkey said. "He did a little bit more (today) than he did yesterday, and it was good to see him get more reps. He's on track to do a little bit more tomorrow."
Asked if Mariota is on track to play, Mularkey responded: "We're hopeful. We're definitely hopeful."
Mariota, inactive on Sunday in Miami because of a hamstring injury, still hasn't done a full sprint, according to Mularkey.
But Mularkey said he's encouraged due to the fact Mariota hasn't had any setbacks during the week. Still, he said the Titans want to make sure Mariota doesn't suffer any setbacks moving forward.
"We'll check tomorrow to see how he feels after what he did today," Mularkey said. "It's still Friday – we don't play until Monday night."
Matt Cassel would start again at quarterback if Mariota's can't go.
Cassel completed 21-of-32 passes for 141 yards against the Dolphins, with a touchdown and no interceptions. He was sacked six times.
Mariota was limited in practices last week because of the hamstring injury he suffered against the Texans. He spent a good portion of last week rehabbing the injury.
On the season, Mariota has completed 66-of-110 passes for 792 yards, with three touchdowns and three interceptions.
"It is going to come down to a lot of things," Mularkey said. "We have a full speed practice tomorrow, a walk-through and all that rest. It might be a game-time decision. Can he play and not risk himself further injury? That's the biggest thing."
Titans players take the field for Friday's practice at Saint Thomas Sports Park. (Photos: Gary Glenn)
