Marcus Mariota will start for Tennessee Titans on Sunday

Nov 1, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) watches from the bench during the game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium. The Texans defeated the Titans 20-6. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota started to falter a little after a strong start to his rookie season before the injury. In five games, Mariota completed 64 percent of his passes for 1,239 yards, nine touchdowns, five interceptions and a passer rating of 93.2. All five of those interceptions came in Mariota’s last three games.

So it’s going to be interesting to see if the NFL has caught up to Mariota and the Spread Offense concepts former head coach Ken Whisenhunt mixed in. It will be even more interesting to see if interim head coach Mike Mularkey stays with those Spread Offense concepts. The good news in Tennessee is that we’re going to find out about both on Sunday.

Mularkey announced Friday that Mariota will be on the field for the Titans against meet the New Orleans Saints. Mariota has been out for two games with a sprained MCL, both Tennessee losses. The plan is for Mariota to wear a brace to protect his left knee on Sunday.

Mularkey apparently likes what he has seen this week in practice and believes he’s ready to go. But Kendall Wright, one of his best receivers, isn’t ready to go as he has been ruled out with a knee injury. So it looks like we’ll get to see what Mariota can do at less than 100 percent and shorthanded.

A win here would be impressive for Mariota.