Marcus Mariota: Charlie Whitehurst's release 'shocking'
With the Titans in need of a roster spot with rookie running back David Cobb coming off short-term injured reserve on Wednesday, the team elected to release third-string quarterback Charlie Whitehurst.
Whitehurst appeared in seven games for the Titans last year, starting five, but was inactive for six of the eight games this season.
Tennessee rookie quarterback Marcus Mariota said he was caught off guard by the decision to release the 10-year veteran.
“It was shocking,” Mariota said, per the Tennessean. “It’s tough. I’m kind of learning that it’s a part of the business. But Charlie was just an unbelievable guy for not only myself, but the entire team. And he was a good leader, somebody that we could lean on, especially in the quarterback room. Unfortunately, things happen and that’s how it goes. But I’m sure he’ll find another spot and do well.”
Tennessee interim head Mike Mularkey said the move to release Whitehurst was based on stability at the quarterback position with Mariota and backup Zach Mettenberger.
"It would take two (injuries) to have Charlie have to play, and he would be inactive this weekend anyhow," Mularkey said. "So we really looked through the whole roster to see what the best situation today was, and that was with Charlie.”
