Marcus Mariota has been hampered by nagging injuries throughout his first four years in the NFL, and the former first-round pick is hoping a slight change to his physical build this offseason will help him avoid the same happening in 2019.
On Monday, Mariota told reporters he has gained about 10-15 pounds of what he described as “good weight.” He hopes the extra poundage will allow him to be less affected by getting hit.
#Titans' Mariota: Added weight to absorb hits, be available for a full year.
— John Glennon (@glennonsports) April 15, 2019
#Titans' Mariota: Probably added 5-10 pounds, calls it "good weight," not "bad weight."
— John Glennon (@glennonsports) April 15, 2019
#Titans' Mariota: Trying to find a medium where he can add weight and still feel comfortable, still have good mobility.
— John Glennon (@glennonsports) April 15, 2019
Mariota dealt with a shoulder injury last season that sounded like it had the potential to become serious at one point, but he only missed two games. However, it seems obvious that the ailment impacted the way he played, as he threw just 11 touchdown passes compared to eight interceptions and did not make the type of leap the Titans have been hoping for.
The Titans may be trying to send a message to Mariota with one of the trades they made this offseason, and part of that message is that the former No. 2 overall pick needs to find a way to stay healthy. Perhaps the bulking up will help with that.
