JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota started the day as the backup against the Jacksonville Jaguars because of an elbow injury that affected his ability to feel and grip the football.
There were rumblings on social media about Mariota's toughness, because he missed the home opener and didn't start against the Jaguars.
Head coach Mike Vrabel firmly stood up for his quarterback after Mariota led Tennessee to a 9-6 win, handing Jacksonville its first loss of the season.
"You're injured. That doesn't have anything to do with his toughness," Vrabel said.