Vrabel: Titans won't rush Mariota back

Tennessee Titans head coach Mike Vrabel told reporters Monday quarterback Marcus Mariota's situation has not changed, and the team will not rush him back into the starting lineup.

Vrabel said the status of Mariota, who has had trouble gripping a football since injuring his elbow in the season opener, "is probably the same as it was Friday or Saturday," which is when the team decided Blaine Gabbert would start Week 2 against the Houston Texans.

"There's some things he can do, and there's some throws that he can't really comfortably make," Vrabel said. "... It could be something that actually ... gets better overnight, and it gets better tomorrow. So that's kind of where we're at. We're waiting to see, and every day is a new day."

Gabbert finished 13 of 20 for just 117 yards and a touchdown, but he hit two throws for 31 yards on the game-winning field-goal drive and was given a game ball. Vrabel sounded comfortable sticking with Gabbert until his starter is fully healthy.

"When Marcus is improving, we'll let you guys know his status," Vrabel said. "... I am hopeful that it will improve as quickly as possible."

Mariota returned to the season opener after originally suffering the injury, but he was intercepted on his next two passes before coming out. The injury, caused by a helmet hitting his elbow, reportedly pinched a nerve, which is the source of Mariota's issues with his grip.

The Titans (1-1) visit the Jacksonville Jaguars (2-0) on Sunday.