Tennessee Titans quarterback Jake Locker was injured in their game against the Jets on Sunday. He was carted off the field and rushed to St. Thomas Hospital for an MRI. News of exactly what the injury entails is still a bit thin on the ground.
It is known that Locker spent the night in the hospital for the injury to his right hip. Coach Mike Munchak confirmed that Locker did not need immediate emergency surgery. Offensive coordinator for the team, Dowell Loggains, did indicate that the quarterback could be out of action for weeks or even months.
There was only 11:14 remaining in the third quarter when Jake Locker received his injury. Reserve quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick, a Harvard graduate who signed with the Titans in March for a two-year, $6.5 million contract, replaced him.
Fitzpatrick is considered one of the league’s top backup quarterbacks. He started nearly 70 games during his nine-year career, 45 of which were over the last four seasons.
Fitzpatrick spoke to reporters about the Jake Locker injury: “The reason I was brought here was to help Jake out and be ready for a situation like this if it came up. If (Locker) is not in there, this is why they brought me here — no longer to tutor Jake and help him along, but to help win football games for this team.”
The injury during the game occurred when Jets defensive end Muhammad Wilkerson hit Locker . He then fell to the ground as his body twisted. As soon as Locker grabbed his hip in pain, a stretcher came to take him off the field. Fans simultaneously chanted: “Jake, Jake, Jake!”
It’s not clear at this time to what extent the Jake Locker injury will affect the rest of the season. It is hoped that the hip injury he sustained wasn’t too serious and that he won’t need surgery.
