Titans expect to use two QBs

NASHVILLE — Tennessee Titans coach Mike Vrabel said he expects to play both starting quarterback Marcus Mariota and backup Blaine Gabbert in Sunday’s AFC South opener against the Houston Texans.

Mariota didn’t throw during the open portion of practice Friday for the second straight day and was listed as limited and questionable on the team’s final injury report. He injured his elbow during last weekend’s season opener, a 27-20 loss to the Miami Dolphins.

“We’re evaluating,” Vrabel said. We anticipate both of those guys playing in the game. We’re going to have to do a lot of things to win this game, and I would anticipate both of those guys playing at some point in time. Marcus is going to do everything he can to get ready.”

They’ll play behind a makeshift offensive line missing left tackle Taylor Lewan, who sustained a concussion in the Dolphins game and didn’t practice all week. Right tackle Jack Conklin, still recovering from knee surgery in January, is also out, and Conklin’s replacement — right tackle Dennis Kelly — was absent from practice Thursday and Friday due to illness.

Falcons’ Freeman out

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — The Atlanta Falcons will be missing another key starter for Sunday’s NFC South opener against Carolina.

Two-time Pro Bowl running back Devonta Freeman was ruled out after missing the entire week of practice with a knee injury sustained in the season-opening 18-12 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles on Sept. 6. It’s another blow to a team already reeling from serious injuries to defensive stalwarts Deion Jones and Keanu Neal.

Coach Dan Quinn said he is hopeful Freeman’s injury isn’t too serious, but there was a bit of uncertainty in his voice when he spoke after practice on a sweltering Friday afternoon.

“We’re under the hope that it’s not a long-term thing,” Quinn said. “When he can do the violent, explosive cuts that make him him, we’ll certainly get him in there.”