Titans coach Mike Vrabel offers optimism about Ryan Tannehill's playing status
Mike Vrabel offered some optimism about Tennessee Titans' quarterback Ryan Tannehill's status Monday.
Tannehill suffered a right ankle injury in Sunday's game against the Indianapolis Colts. After spending time in the medical tent, Tannehill was able to return to the game, which the Titans won 19-10, but was in an orthopedic walking boot after the game.
Vrabel said Monday that Tannehill was "good" and "progressing" and receiving medical treatment for the injury.
Vrabel also admitted having to play without Tannehill this week at Houston (3:05 p.m., CBS) would be a challenge for the Titans (4-2), who are going for their fifth straight win.
"The quarterback is vital to the execution," Vrabel said. "We'll continue to see where Ryan is. We're getting everybody ready that we feel like needs to get ready."
Tannehill completed 13 of 20 passes for 132 yards Sunday with no touchdowns and no interceptions. Tannehill, who had his ankle taped in the medical tent, said the ankle hurt when he went back into the game.
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The injury occurred when Titans right tackle Nicholas Petit-Frere fell onto Tannehill from behind while trying to block for Tannehill.
Tannehill, who made a franchise record 49th consecutive start, missed one play on the Titans' following possession and was replaced by rookie Malik Willis.
Vrabel complimented Tannehill on his determination to re-enter the game despite the injury.
"He certainly had all intentions of doing everything that he could to get back (in) there," Vrabel said. "With any injury we've been through this as it relates to us is how we identify if guys can continue to play. Can they make it worse, are they going to be able to reasonably do their job and are they up to the expectations we have for them? Can they protect themselves? He was able to progress through."
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After taking one snap at quarterback, Willis remained on the field and moved to wide receiver.
"He's continued to improve," Vrabel said about Willis. "He's taken the ownership of the show (scout) team and that's where every backup quarterback gets their reps. But you're still understanding the game plan and still being ready to go. So I kind of like where that's been the last couple of weeks. I think it's been good."
It was only the second game Willis has played in this season. He also saw action against Buffalo and completed one 6-yard pass on four attempts.
Tannehill and Willis are the only quarterbacks the Titans have on the 53-man roster. A third quarterback, Logan Woodside, is on the practice squad.
Reach Mike Organ at 615-259-8021 or on Twitter @MikeOrganWriter.
This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Titans coach Mike Vrabel offers optimism about Ryan Tannehill's status
