Titans Place Marc Mariani On Injured Reserve

Marc Mariani Injury Update: Titans WR Placed On IR Following Broken Leg

Tennessee Titans wide receiver/kick returner Marc Mariani has been placed on the injured reserve list on Sunday, according to the team's Twitter account.

Mariani underwent surgery to repair a broken tibia this past Thursday, which he suffered returning a kick during their preseason matchup with the Arizona Cardinals that day. There currently is no time table set for his return.

The three-year veteran out of Montana saw action In 16 games last season, hauling in five catches for 24 yards. Mariani has been outstanding as a returner for the Titans though, garnering a Pro Bowl selection in 2010 after setting a team record with 1,530 return yards. He took all of Tennessee's kickoffs and all but one punt return for them last season.

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Titans' Marc Mariani To Undergo Surgery On Broken Leg

Tennessee Titans kick returner and wide receiver Marc Mariani will undergo surgery tonight to repair an open leg fracture suffered on a kick return Thursday night during the Titans' preseason game against the Arizona Cardinals, ESPN's Adam Schefter reports.

Though the recovery will be lengthy, no timetable has been set for Mariani's return, according to Schefter.

In 16 games in 2011, Mariani collected five receptions for 24 yards, but shined most as a returner for the Titans, gaining a Pro Bowl selection because of his exploits on returns. His 1,530 yards on returns in 2010 is a Oilers/Titans team record.

Mariani returned all of the Titans kickoffs and all but one of the Titans' punt returns in 2011.

Mariani, who was entering his third year in the league, also recorded three tackles in 2011. The injury likely opens up another roster spot for a special teams player.

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Marc Mariani Injury: Titans WR Fractures Left Tibia

Tennessee Titans wide receiver Marc Mariani was taken off the field on a stretcher Thursday during the Titans' game against the Arizona Cardinals after suffering a fractured left tibia.

Marc Mariani has been carted off the field with a left leg injury.

— Tennessee Titans (@tennesseetitans) August 24, 2012

Mariani was hurt while returning a punt during the first quarter. He was tended to by trainers before being carted off of the field on a stretcher. The injury appeared to be severe on the field, and could lead to Mariani landing on injured reserve and missing the 2012 season. A picture of the injury can be seen here and a GIF is here, but be warned: it is graphic.

Mariani is entering his third NFL season. He was one of the best returners in the NFL last season, averaging 25.5 yards per kickoff return and 12.2 yards per punt return. He also scored two return touchdowns last year.

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