Titans plan to start Zach Mettenberger against Texans

The Titans plan to start rookie quarterback Zach Mettenberger against the Texans on Sunday, according to sources familiar with the situation.

The move could also signal the beginning of the end for quarterback Jake Locker in Tennessee. The fourth-year pro has missed the last two games with a thumb injury and has struggled with injuries throughout his career.

On Monday, coach Ken Whisenhunt said the plan was for Locker to regain his place in the starting lineup when healthy. But with the Titans having lost five of their last six games and facing steep odds to make the playoffs, the coach apparently had a change of heart.

Whisenhunt could not be reached for comment Wednesday night.

Indications are Mettenberger was informed of the decision Tuesday night. He was not in the locker room after practice Wednesday, when Locker was off-limits to the media. Charlie Whitehurst, who has three starts this season, said he was not allowed to talk to reporters.

Mettenberger threw for 3,082 yards and 22 touchdowns at LSU last season before suffering a torn ACL. A sixth-round pick, he has played in just one game this season, the final minutes of a blowout loss against the Colts. He was 2-of-5 for 17 yards with an interception.

Mettenberger had an impressive preseason, however, throwing for 659 yards with two touchdowns, two interceptions and a 97.6 passer rating.

He told The Tennessean recently he was learning while waiting his turn behind Locker and Whitehurst.

"Anybody worth their salt wants to play, so that is what I am doing, I am pushing the two guys ahead of me and trying to get better," Mettenberger said. "It's about taking advantage of the opportunity I am given. That is what I am waiting on, an opportunity I guess. Eventually, whenever that is … you have to make the most of it."

Locker was limited but making progress in Wednesday's practice, Whisenhunt said.

When asked about the quarterback situation on Monday, Whisenhunt was adamant that he planned for Locker to return to the lineup when healthy.

"Nothing has changed from the quarterback perspective," the coach said Monday. "Jake wants to get back as quickly as he can."

As for whether it was time for Mettenberger to play, Whisenhunt told reporters: "That seems to be a question you guys are saying more than I am. I am focused on trying to improve each week, and trying to play better."

Locker, a first-round pick in 2011, has been unable to stay healthy. He's missed three starts this season and 17 of a potential 39 starts in his career. He's in the final year of his contract after the Titans declined to pick up a fifth-year option.

This season, Locker is 65-of-112 passing for 764 yards, with four touchdowns, four interceptions and a 75.9 rating.

Whitehurst has thrown for 764 yards, with five touchdowns, two interceptions and a 93.2 rating. His record is 1-2, including last Sunday's loss to the Redskins, a result that only intensified calls from fans for Mettenberger to get a chance.

On Monday, Whisenhunt praised Mettenberger for his work in the meeting rooms and on the practice field.

Now he'll find out a lot more about the rookie quarterback – in games.

"From my little time around Zach, I don't think there is much you can do to mess with his confidence," Whisenhunt said. "As far as putting him out there too early, or not putting him out there too early, there's all kinds of different schools of thought on that. I think he has to work hard and prepare the best he can because at some point he'll get his chance."

Reach Jim Wyatt at 615-259-8015 and on Twitter @jwyattsports