Titans coach Mike Vrabel indicating Marcus Mariota will take at least some of the snaps in this Sunday’s game against the Texans would appear to be excellent news regarding the quarterback’s long-term health.

Mariota said he couldn’t feel his hand or grip the ball after injuring his elbow in last week’s game against the Dolphins.

Mariota returned to the game but threw two interceptions before departing for good.


Mariota’s description of the symptoms led me to expect he suffered a “funny bone” injury. That is when the medial (inside) side of the elbow is hit where the ulnar nerve runs and unprotected, and this results in a stinger-like feeling into the hand.

Now there has been some concern expressed over the similarity to Dennard Robinson’s ulnar nerve injury his final college season. Robinson suffered a lack of feeling in his fourth and fifth fingers and hand/grip weakness on his throwing hand. He ended his career as a wide receiver.

Both athletes have ulnar nerve issues, but that is where the comparison ends.


I believe Robinson had a more permanent nerve injury, which can result in a claw hand and numbness and forced his change of position from quarterback as he entered NFL and contributed to his demise at receiver.

Mariota, it appears suffered a temporary ulnar nerve issue that is more like a “stinger” and transient in nature. If he had not regained feeling and function in his hand, he would be listed as “out” rather than the “questionable” that he is designated.

Vrabel said Mariota may split snaps with Blaine Gabbert on Sunday. If Mariota had a true (more permanent) ulnar nerve issue, he would not even get half the snaps. He would be unable to play quarterback.


Although video of the injury was limited, I expect Mariota to regain full nerve function soon, if he has not already. In fact, it would not be surprising to see a fully healthy Mariota on Sunday.