NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- An MRI has revealed that Titans quarterback Zach Mettenberger has a Grade III sprain in his right shoulder and will miss the team's final three games, league sources tell ESPN's Adam Caplan.
A source told ESPN's Chris Mortensen that the team does not want Mettenberger to have surgery and is shutting him down to allow his shoulder time to heal.
Mettenberger started Sunday against the New York Giants despite spraining his throwing shoulder a week ago in a loss at Houston. He reinjured his shoulder when sacked by linebacker Devon Kennard for the second time. Mettenberger stayed down for a few minutes before heading to the sideline and then the locker room.
On Monday afternoon, the Titans tweeted coach Ken Whisenhunt saying Mettenberger was doubtful for Sunday.
Ken Whisenhunt said #Titans QB Zach Mettenberger is doubtful for Sunday and will be taken week-to-week with his shoulder injury.
— Tennessee Titans (@TennesseeTitans) December 8, 2014"It doesn't feel good right now, but honestly I can't tell you," Mettenberger said Sunday when asked if his shoulder feels worse than a week ago. "We'll see tomorrow with the MRI."
Jake Locker replaced Mettenberger for a second straight week. He was sacked on his second play as the Titans turned over the ball on downs. The Giants won 36-7 and finished with eight sacks.
Titans cornerback Blidi Wreh-Wilson also dislocated a shoulder in the first quarter, while safety Daimion Stafford was being evaluated for a concussion. Right tackle Byron Stingily hurt an ankle, tried to come back and couldn't.
"Needless to say we had a number of injuries, and they hurt us," Titans coach Ken Whisenhunt said.
Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.
