Mariota practices, likely to start

NASHVILLE — Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota fully participated in Friday’s practice and is expected to start Monday night’s road game against the AFC South-leading Houston Texans.

Mariota sustained a stinger Sunday in a 38-10 division road loss to the Indianapolis Colts and didn’t play in the second half of that game. He was limited in Wednesday’s and Thursday’s work, but on Friday he got a green light to start — barring an unforeseen setback — from coach Mike Vrabel.

A stinger is the term used to describe a nerve injury that often leads to stinging or burning sensations emanating from the neck and shoulder area into an arm, in this case Mariota’s right (throwing) arm. It was originally believed to be an elbow injury similar to the one Mariota incurred in the season opener against the Miami Dolphins.

“He felt better,” Vrabel said. “We’ve got to keep working. … He looked good today, but that’s why you practice. You try to always improve and get better and fix the things you didn’t have right. He was not limited.”

Mariota missed the first meeting between the Titans (5-5) and Texans (7-3) on Sept. 16 in Nashville. The Titans won that game 20-17 with backup quarterback Blaine Gabbert behind center and with the help of a touchdown on a fake punt.

While Mariota was a full participant Friday, defensive coordinator Dean Pees was absent from the afternoon practice.

Pees spent Sunday night in an Indianapolis hospital due to a medical issue after being taken for treatment during the game. Pees returned to practice Wednesday and Thursday, but Vrabel wanted him to rest on Friday and excused him from practice.

“Dean was tired today, and I asked him to go home,” Vrabel said. “I wanted him to get some rest. I’m trying to get Dean to Monday night, just like I am all the players. The plan was simply, ‘Hey, Dean, why don’t you go get some rest? Why don’t you go get some sleep?’ That’s what I felt like was best (option) to try to get him to the game.”

Also, left tackle Taylor Lewan was out of Friday’s practice due to illness. Running back David Fluellen remains out with a knee injury.