Titans win behind Blaine Gabbert as Marcus Mariota still sidelined

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Backup quarterback Blaine Gabbert got the start and led the Tennessee Titans to a 20-17 win over the Houston Texans in their home opener on Sunday.

Marcus Mariota, who injured his elbow last week, was active but did not play.

Gabbert finished 13-of-20 for 117 yards and one touchdown with no interceptions.

Mariota injured his elbow and lost feeling in his throwing hand as he was carrying out a run fake while executing a read-option play in a loss to the Miami Dolphins last week.

Tennessee hoped Mariota would be able to play, but his status regressed during the week leading up to the game.

After being a full participant in practice on Wednesday, Mariota was listed as a limited participant on Thursday and Friday.

He said he felt some tingling in his throwing hand and struggled to grip the ball the way he wanted to when he practiced on Thursday.

Mariota came out for pregame warm-ups to throw soft passes to the running backs and tight ends on seam routes. He had a glove on his right hand during warm-ups.

The Titans are exercising caution with Mariota, especially behind an offensive line that is without starters Taylor Lewan (concussion) and Dennis Kelly (illness).