The Tennessee Titans finished the 2016 season at 9-7, their first winning record since 2011. Much of their success can be attributed to the emergence of second-year quarterback Marcus Mariota, who finished the season with 26 touchdowns and just nine interceptions in 15 games before suffering a fractured fibula in Week 16.

Given the stellar play of Mariota this past season, coupled with the tough injury, the Titans are taking a cautious approach with their franchise quarterback, opting to go slow in bringing him back.

Coach Mike Mularkey spoke on WGFX-FM in Nashville on Wednesday, saying the team is being “very cautious” with Mariota and will likely hold him out of workouts until training camp, per ESPN’s Paul Kuharsky.

It’s the smart move by the Titans. Mariota has proved that he can play in this league, and the progress he made between year one and year two gives the team every indication that he will take another giant leap forward in 2017. There’s no need in rushing him back now that he’s mastered Mularkey’s system.

The Titans went 6-2 against winning teams this season, showing they are headed in the right direction. With a healthy and rested Mariota coming back, the AFC South could belong to Tennessee next year.