Mariota is a mystery

Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota practiced on a limited basis for the third time on Friday, but his status for Sunday’s game remains questionable.

Titans coach Mike Mularkey said Mariota will be a game-time decision.

Mularkey used the phrase “we’re being smart” a few times over the past three days in reference to Mariota’s hamstring injury.

The Dolphins prepared for Mariota to play, spending the bulk of the defense’s practice time getting prepared for an athletic quarterback scramble.

“If you can fit into a medium you can fit into a large,” Dolphins pass rusher Cameron Wake said, explaining the team’s thinking about Mariota’s status. “Better to have it and not need it, than not have it and need it.”

Mariota, who has a 79.8 passer rating this season, has gained 116 yards and scored three rushing touchdowns on 20 carries. Throughout the 31 games he’s played, Mariota has run for 717 rushing yards on 114 carries and has scored seven rushing touchdowns.

If Mariota isn’t cleared to play, expect Matt Cassel to replace him as Tennessee’s starter. Cassel, a 13-year veteran with a 78.4 career passer rating, threw two interceptions as Mariota’s replacement in last Sunday’s 57-14 loss to the Texans

Cassel, who has started 80 games during his career as a journeyman, is far less mobile than Mariota. He’s been sacked 203 times during his playing career. known to