Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota’s words confirmed what we feared before last Sunday’s game – that his ulnar nerve has been and will continue to be an issue.

In addressing the media Wednesday, Mariota acknowledged his grip continues to be affected and said he is “trying to build strength” back into hand, “just taking a little bit of reps.” He added, he “can’t really do a whole lot” except let the nerve “calm down and feel better when it wants to.”

He did put a positive spin on the situation, saying “it is getting better” and he thinks “it’s close.”


But the one pass shown in this video tells a different story.

That is not the throw of an upper-tier NFL quarterback, even if he was just casually tossing the ball. (Mariota’s velocity and spin did reportedly get better the more he threw Wednesday.)


However, Mariota’s injury with grip weakness and finger numbness has now extended to a 10th day. At this point, I would not expect it to resolve by Sunday.

The ulnar nerve injury affects the ability to strongly grip the football and flex (actively bend) the wrist for follow-through. This injury thereby affects accuracy – especially when pushing the ball down field – and makes it difficult to throw tight spirals.

The loss of feeling in his pinky and half his ring finger may be disconcerting but should not disqualify Mariota on its own. I have had quarterbacks play with that issue before.


The physiology of nerve recovery is that it either returns quickly or it lingers. As an example, stingers typically resolve in seconds or minutes. Once the loss of feeling or weakness last for days, it often takes weeks or months to return to normal.

Essentially, between what Mariota did in practice and what was said by the team, it is apparent there has been little to no change in his status.

Expect Mariota to be suited up and able to play Sunday – but as Blaine Gabbert’s back up again. If Mariota is called into action, anticipate that his game will be one of running and short passes. Without firm grip, throwing deep is like attempting a long field goal without a solid hold.


The throws he made Wednesday came while wearing a glove on his throwing hand with the index and middle fingers cut out.

The glove is not a surprise, as one is often used as a way to improve grip. The index and middle fingers were cut out because many quarterbacks like to feel to ball, and the feeling in those fingers are normal. However, his strength is affected throughout the hand and wrist, as the ulnar nerve provides signal to flex the fingers and wrist.

All that said, his status is about what we worried about last Sunday.


I am not claiming that Mariota can’t play or that he won’t regain his function.

It should certainly be considered a positive he is still on the roster and dressed for last week’s game. He is only one play away from getting on the field, so it’s not like the Titans don’t believe he can do something. Another sign the Titans aren’t overly concerned is that they have yet to add a third quarterback behind Gabbert and Mariota.

Not only should nothing different should be expected as far as Mariota’s status for this week’s game against the Jaguars, this could easily drag into October.


It is much too soon to say this is a Denard Robinson situation, where Mariota can no longer be a quarterback. But he almost certainly won’t be waking up any time this week with full feeling or strength in is fingers.

Certainly, the Titans are doing everything possible (medication to avoid swelling and rest to prevent irritation of the nerve), but time is going to be the ultimate healer.

I hope I am wrong, but this is likely going to be a frustrating exercise of watching grass grow, as everyone hopes for the nerve to wake up over the next few weeks.