The Tennessee Titans drafted quarterback Jake Locker to be the face of the franchise back in 2011, but ever since being drafted, Locker has seen more time on the bench than on the field. Locker’s injury issues and the looming threat of rookie Zach Mettenberger could prove to be too much for the former Washington Husky.
Mettenberger was selected by the Titans in the sixth round of the NFL draft and although they have stated they're invested in Locker, how much of that is to be believed? Mettenberger was rumored to be a second day pick before a torn ACL and failed drug test derailed that dream. Could Mettenberger have what it takes to dethrone Locker when he is fully healed? Jim Wyatt of the Tennessean spoke to coach Ken Whisenhunt about Locker’s status coming off his season ending foot injury.
"He'll do most everything. I think he'll be cleared to participate. But we also have to keep an eye towards not doing too much. … Jake is going to want to throw himself in there, and at this point it is more prudent for us to be reserved in what we do, knowing we'll have a lot of practices in camp ahead of us and he'll get opportunities.”
There have been nothing but words of encouragement concerning Locker’s status as the Titans’ quarterback, but injuries are always a concern when it comes to Locker. Mettenberger should be ready to go at full speed by the start of training camp and his status could set up a quarterbck battle in Nashville. Tennessee has stated that it is Locker’s job to lose, but come August will it be one of the more under the radar quarterback battles in the NFL?
Locker will get every opportunity to prove himself the starter and earn a contract extension, Mettenberger will push him while rehabbing his own injury and new Titan quarterback Charlie Whitehurst will teach both of them Whisnehunt’s system while, hopefully, never seeing the field.
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