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Titans' Mularkey: Mariota on pace to return for 2017 season

Andy Lyons / Getty Images Sport / Getty

While Tennessee Titans fans may not be overjoyed with Marcus Mariota's new look, they should be happy to know their star quarterback is on track to return from his fractured fibula in time for next season.

At a season-ticket holders event Wednesday night, head coach Mike Mularkey told ESPN's Paul Kuharsky that Mariota is "on pace" to return for the 2017 campaign.

While Mariota wasn't in attendance, he sent a video with his first public comments since suffering the injury, reiterating Mularkey's comments and revealing that he has also grown out a full beard.

"I wish I could be there with you guys to relive the 2016 season. It was an incredible one, filled with a lot of fun moments," said Mariota. "I'm currently here in Oregon, getting healthy and going through my recovery process. I look forward to getting back to Nashville and getting the 2017 season underway. I think it's going to be a great one."

Mularkey confirmed that Mariota has been pulling out all the stops to get healed up, hinting that he may even be going overboard with his rehab.

"He's probably overworking," said Mularkey. "I want him to make sure he's being smart about it. Because you know his work ethic - he's probably going to try to come back as quickly and better than ever."

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