Jim Wyatt

jwyatt@tennessean.com

Titans quarterback Zach Mettenberger practiced on Wednesday and left little doubt about his playing status for Sunday's game against the Giants.

"I am definitely playing,'' Mettenberger said.

Mettenberger suffered a right shoulder injury in Sunday's 45-21 loss to the Texans when defensive lineman J.J. Watt landed on him. He was officially listed as limited after Wednesday's practice.

Mettenberger said he's still dealing with some soreness, and conceded he's not 100 percent right now. Tests on the shoulder were both negative, however, showing only a sprained shoulder. Coach Ken Whisenhunt also expressed optimism about Mettenberger's chances, acknowledging only a setback would keep him off the field.

Mettenberger made it clear it's important for him to play.

The Titans are 0-5 in Mettenberger's first five NFL starts. On the season, the rookie quarterback has completed 93 of 155 passes for 1,287 yards with eight touchdowns and six interceptions.

"Right now this is my team. I can't think about next year, all I have is the opportunity to play this Sunday. Who knows what could happen? I could get hurt or whatever,'' he said. "Right now my opportunity is to play this Sunday and show that I am the best guy for this team, and hopefully for the future as well."