The Sports Xchange

Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota missed practice for the second consecutive day due to a knee injury and could be in jeopardy of missing Sunday’s game against the Atlanta Falcons.

Backup quarterback Zach Metterberger is being prepared to start in case Mariota can’t play.

Mariota suffered a sprained MCL in his left knee during last Sunday’s game against the Miami Dolphins.

Tennessee coach Ken Whisenhunt was non-committal on whether or not he would start Mariota, and said he doesn’t have a firm rule about whether a player who didn’t practice all week can start a game.

“If it was a couple months ago, I’d really have some concerns about it, but after having played as many reps as he has and gone through the plan, you’re a little bit less strict about that,” Whisenhunt told reporters. “But it’s still important. I think tomorrow will be a big day as far as determining that.”

Mariota, the No. 2 overall pick in the 2015 NFL draft, has passed for 1,239 yards, nine touchdowns and five interceptions through five games.