The Titans are placing second-year wide receiver Tajae Sharpe and third-string quarterback Alex Tanney on season-ending injured reserve as part of their cuts from a 90- to 53-man roster, coach Mike Mularkey said Saturday.

Sharpe's placement on IR was a surprise first reported by The Tennessean. Sharpe had surgery for a stress fracture in his right foot during offseason workouts, but returned to play in the final two preseason games. He re-injured himself against the Chiefs on Thursday night.

More: Titans 53-man roster analysis: Who made the team, who was cut

“Based on our history with that type of injury,” Mularkey said, “we just felt like this was in his best interest for his career to make sure this thing is right before we push him back on the field again.”

Tanney, who was out of practice squad eligibility, broke his left foot during the game. By placing him on IR, the Titans maintain his rights.

The Titans kept two quarterbacks, Marcus Mariota and Matt Cassel, on the initial 53-man roster. Tyler Ferguson, who was waived, could join the practice squad.

“It’s still in discussion whether it’s adding a third or a practice squad quarterback at this time," Mularkey said.

Because neither Sharpe nor Tanney made the active roster, they are not eligible to return this season.

There has been no decision about whether Sharpe will require a second surgery.

The Titans are being extra cautious with Sharpe, given what linebacker Kevin Dodd went through with a similar injury last year. Dodd missed the bulk of his rookie season with a stress fracture that required two surgeries.

Placing Sharpe on IR also helps with the logjam at wide receiver.

Sharpe started 10 games last season, after being drafted out of Massachusetts in the fifth round. He had 41 catches for 522 yards and two touchdowns.

But he tumbled down the depth chart after the Titans drafted Corey Davis and Taywan Taylor and signed veteran Eric Decker. Rishard Matthews also returns after leading the team in catches, receiving yards and touchdowns last season. The Titans kept five wide receivers, including veteran Harry Douglas, on the initial 53-man roster.

Sharpe spent much of the preseason on the physically unable to perform list after surgery to repair a stress fracture in his right foot. He also has legal issues stemming from his alleged role in an offseason fight in Nashville.

Reach Jason Wolf at jwolf@tennessean.com and follow him on Twitter at @JasonWolf and on Instagram and Snapchat at TitansBeat.

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