Mettenberger To Start For Struggling Titans
Published at
Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images(NASHVILLE, TN) — A new era is likely beginning in Tennessee, as the Titans have announced rookie quarterback Zach Mettenberger will start this Sunday against the Houston Texans.
Mettenberger, a sixth-round pick out of LSU, will replace struggling starter Jake Locker. Locker had missed the previous two games with a thumb injury and appeared ready to return, but head coach Ken Whisenhunt had other ideas.
“We’re going with Zach and we’re going to stay with Zach,” Whisenhunt said.
The Titans have had trouble scoring points this season. They are averaging 17.3 points per game, ranking 28th in the NFL. They rank 27th with 320.3 yards per game.
”No question he’s a talented, young player, and maybe it’ll give us a spark,” Whisenhunt said. ”Offensively, we haven’t exactly been lighting it up, so that’s part of it in consideration.”
This will likely be the end of Locker’s career as a Titan. Locker was the first-round pick of the Titans in 2011. Struggling through injuries and inconsistent play, Locker never quite reached the expectations that had him once projected to be the first overall pick in the 2010 draft.
Locker will be a free agent at the end of the season after the Titans declined his 2015 option.
Follow @ABCNewsRadio
Copyright 2014 ABC News Radio