Team news: Washington Commanders | Page 49

Marcus Mariota's quad injury is not very serious.

Related players: Ryan Tannehill

Mariota was listed as DNP on Monday even though the Titans didn't actually practice, but it looks like he's going to be good to go for Thursday night's matchup against the Jags.

At 5-foot-8 and 200 pounds, Austin Ekeler isn't built like a traditional tailback. However, Anthony Lynn believes the 24-year-old can be a feature back in the NFL.

"He plays with outstanding leverage," Lynn said. "And like I’ve said before, pound-for-pound he is the strongest man on our team."

Added Ekeler: "Physically, I feel good. I think with my body type, I'm lower to the ground and take less hits through my ankles and knees. I think that's really going to help me out through my entire career as far as injuries."

Related players: Justin Jackson

Ekeler finished with 154 yards from scrimmage in Week 1, a career high for him. He added three touchdowns as well, including the game-winner. Jackson was a nice compliment to Ekeler, but it was Ekeler who stole the show against the Colts. The Bolts seem pretty happy to continue this approach at RB, but of the two backs, Ekeler is looking like the one to own in fantasy leagues.

Melvin Gordon's holdout could last until late November, when the Los Angeles Chargers running back would have to report to make sure his contract does not toll for this year and he can become an unrestricted free agent after this season, sources told ESPN.

Related players: Austin Ekeler, Justin Jackson

By rule, Gordon would have to show up 30 days prior to the end of the regular season for his contract not to toll, and that would mean he would return to the Chargers sometime before their Dec. 1 game in Denver against the Broncos. The story added the Chargers pulled their offer, but could change it and try to lure Gordon back sooner. If Gordon returns in November, he would play in the team's final five games, which would be in time for the fantasy playoff season.

For now, Ekeler appears to be the back to own, especially in PPR leagues, while Jackson is also expected to get time, likely early down work.

Change-of-pace back Austin Ekeler will get the start, and you can expect second-year pro Justin Jackson to get some touches against the Colts.

"I've always used those guys as a tandem," Lynn said. "That's not going to change. We're going to put guys in good positions to do what they do best."

Related players: Philip Rivers, Melvin Gordon

We're higher on Ekeler especially because of his pass-catching abilities. In our PPR rankings we put Ekeler 13th while Jackson is 35th. Look for Jackson to get some early down work with Ekeler at the very last playing in passing situations. But without Gordon, the story said the team will reply more on QB Rivers which potentially puts Ekeler in a much better spot.

Despite national analysts like ESPN’s Dianna Russini pushing the idea the Titans have allowed Ryan Tannehill to go at it with Marcus Mariota for the starting role, every piece of evidence to this point indicates that's nothing but noise.

Mariota got every first-team rep through training camp, except during Day 9 when he sat out for rest. With only three weeks until the season opener at Cleveland, the Titans would be putting themselves at a significant disadvantage by swapping in Tannehill as the No. 1 quarterback this late in the process.

The story went on to list several other reasons why Mariota should win the job, and among them was Tannehill himself saying he doesn't think him starting is an option at this point. Mariota also looked sharp against the Patriots on Saturday, an improvement over Week 1 of the preseason. Earlier today we had a report that stated Tannehill could be in the mix to win the job but this article certainly goes against that.