Marcus Mariota will sit out Sunday's game against the Falcons
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Oct 18, 2015; Nashville, TN, USA; Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) is helped off the field after an injury during the first half against the Miami Dolphins at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports
Tennessee Titans rookie Marcus Mariota will not play Sunday against Atlanta as he recovers from a sprained MCL in his left knee. Zach Mettenberger will start at quarterback.
Coach Ken Whisenhunt said Friday that Mariota has been ruled out after missing practice all week.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Mariota sprained the medial collateral ligament in his left knee when hit low by Miami defensive end Olivier Vernon in last week's 38-10 loss to the Dolphins. Mariota stayed in the game wearing a brace.
Mettenberger started six of the seven games he played last season as a rookie. The sixth-round draft pick out of LSU still is looking for his first career win.
The Titans (1-4) also will be without wide receiver Harry Douglas (ribs) and starting cornerback Perrish Cox (hamstring).