Tennessee Titans quarterback Mariota, lefttackle Lewan making progress at practice

Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota and left tackle Taylor Lewan each took encouraging steps at Thursday's practice as they attempt to return from injury.

Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota and left tackle Taylor Lewan each took encouraging steps at Thursday's practice as they attempt to return from injury.

Still practicing wearing a glove with two fingers cut out on his right hand, Mariota increased his workload and threw with more velocity to deeper parts of the field, though he again was listed as a limited participant.

"I would say that Marcus is actually better," head coach Mike Vrabel said told reporters. "I felt like he threw the ball better today, so that's positive. It's moving in the right direction. And then we'll just see where he's at tomorrow."

Mariota dressed but did not play against the Houston Texans on Sunday as he works his way back from an elbow injury that caused nerve issues in his fingers. He said Wednesday that he still has some numbness and tingling in a few fingers, as well as weakness in the whole hand.

Blaine Gabbert played all of Sunday's game, throwing for just 117 yards but leading a drive for a game-winning field goal in the final minutes.

Meanwhile, Lewan returned to a full practice Thursday after missing Sunday's game with a concussion, putting him on track to play against the Jacksonville Jaguars this weekend, barring a setback. Lewan was limited on Wednesday.

The Titans were without their top three tackles last week, as right tackle Jack Conklin continues his recovery from January knee surgery and Dennis Kelly was hospitalized with a virus. Vrabel said Conklin, who has been limited in practice, took an increased role on Thursday, while Kelly should be back at the facility on Friday.

Kevin Pamphile and Tyler Marz -- the latter promoted from the practice squad before Week 2 -- started for the Titans at left and right tackle, respectively vs. Houston. The Titans gave up just one sack and two QB hits, along with four tackles for loss.

--Field Level Media