Report: Titans' Mariota expected to sit out rest of season with sprained MCL

Marcus Mariota's rookie season appears to have come to an early end.

The Tennessee Titans quarterback is expected to miss the final two games of the year after suffering a sprained MCL in Sunday's loss to the New England Patriots, reports Rand Getlin of NFL Network.

Currently in position for the top pick in the 2016 draft, going without their electrifying young signal-caller should only enhance the Titans' chances of locking up that selection down the stretch.

Zach Mettenberger, who took over in relief against the Patriots, will continue to see work in the lead role to close out the year.

Mariota's debut season comes to an end having started in 12 games, recording 2,818 yards, 19 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions over that span.

The impressive showing will not only have him in the running for Offensive Rookie of the Year honors at season's end, but the instant impact may also indicate that the Titans have finally found their longterm answer at the quarterback position.