Titans’ only option is to start Mariota

Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota is starting this weekend against the Eagles, no matter how limited his injured right arm might be.

Mariota is the best option with backup Blaine Gabbert in the concussion protocol. Austin Davis just joined the Titans and has been given a crash course in the offense but is still learning the playbook.

“We’re obviously excited about that because he’s feeling better, and that’s all we were really hoping for,” Titans coach Mike Vrabel said Wednesday.

Mariota hurt his elbow in the season opener, a 27-20 loss to the Dolphins. He tried to stay in that game, only to be intercepted twice before giving way to Gabbert. Mariota was active for a 20-17 win over the Texans with Gabbert getting the win, but Mariota entered last weekend’s 9-6 win over the Jaguars after Gabbert was forced out with a concussion.

“Just taking it one day at a time,” Mariota said. “We’ll see how it feels throughout the week. I hope it continues to get better.”

Mariota threw down the field only once in Jacksonville, an attempt to Corey Davis that drew a defensive pass interference penalty. Just how limited Mariota will be again remains to be seen.

Tennessee’s offense has scored only two touchdowns through three games.

Jets coach Todd Bowles vehemently denied a published report that said he is stripping defensive coordinator Kacy Rodgers of some play-calling duties. Bowles said the story by the New York Daily News was “100 percent false,” adding that it’s “completely a lie.”

The newspaper reported that Bowles, according to sources, would call the defensive plays when the Jets face twominute and hurry-up situations.

“I’m pretty much a straight shooter,” Bowles said. “If I’ve got something to say, I would probably say it and it would come out of my mouth. It never came out of my mouth. It never happened. End of discussion. It never happened, it’s not going to happen.”

Bills RB LeSean McCoy vowed to play Sunday at Green Bay after missing one game with a rib cartilage injury. McCoy said he was able to run at full speed during practice . ... WR Alshon Jeffery was cleared for contact after offseason shoulder surgery and practiced with the Eagles. ... The Rams placed CB Aqib Talib on injured reserve, sidelining the veteran until at least Thanksgiving . ... The Patriots placed RB Rex Burkhead on injured reserve three days after he left the game against the Lions with a neck injury.