An MRI exam shows Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota sprained his left MCL, and coach Ken Whisenhunt says they will have to see how the rookie's knee progresses before determining if he can play Sunday against Atlanta.

Whisenhunt said that Mariota was walking around just fine at the Tennessee headquarters on Monday.

Mariota was injured during the second quarter of Sunday's 38-10 loss to the Miami Dolphins when hit low by end Olivier Vernon. The rookie stayed on the field and didn't miss a play. Mariota did put a brace after the series, and he remained in the game until Whisenhunt sent Zach Mettenberger in for the final series with 1:54 left.

If Mariota can't play in Week 7, Mettenberger would get the start. Other reports say with this injury, it's going to be tough for Mariota to play so it's a situation worth monitoring.

Titans coach Ken Whisenhunt and left tackle Taylor Lewan had strong words for Dolphins defensive end Olivier Vernon's hit on Marcus Mariota in the first quarter of Sunday's game.

"I think it was B.S.," Whisenhunt said after Tennessee's 38-10 loss to Miami. "That's not the way you play football. I think it was done with the idea of trying to hurt our quarterback, and that's bulls--- football."

Mariota didn't leave the game, but he was clearly hobbled and wore a left knee brace for the remainder of the game, in which he lost two fumbles and threw two interceptions.

Reports said Mariota was to get an X-ray Monday. In this story, he commented he expects to be a full-go for Wednesday's practice as the Titans prepare for next week's home game against Atlanta. He was sacked five times Sunday, raising his season total to 19, the story said.

Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota received treatment on his left ankle following Sunday's 28-14 loss at Cleveland.

"I was incredibly impressed with how he handled himself," Titans coach Ken Whisenhunt said. "The man's a fighter. He showed a lot of poise, he showed a lot of character in that second half. Obviously his ankle was bothering him a little bit and he still made a lot of plays."

Mariota doesn't believe he'll miss any time, according to the story. The Titans had to alter their game plan in the second half because the rookie was gimpy. It's possible if he's not 100-percent heading into Week 3 the team will again have to alter their offense, so it's something to monitor this week.