Jake Locker will have surgery on Wednesday
Tennessee Titans quarterback Jake Locker (10) passes against the Jacksonville Jaguars during the first half at LP Field. Mandatory Credit: Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports
Tennessee Titans quarterback Jake Locker showed admirable toughness when he returned from a serious hip injury weeks before his expected return date. Locker, however, would suffer an even more severe injury just three weeks after his return, as he suffered a right Lisfranc injury early in a loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars and was placed on injured reserve.
Locker’s rash of injuries have caused the Titans to have second doubts as to whether or not he can be their franchise quarterback, and the injuries have earned Locker the injury-prone tag in just his third season in the league. A streaky passer who was absolutely horrific last year, Locker looked significantly better this season and did indeed look like a franchise QB at points this season. He was more accurate in a simpler offense, made better reads, and benefited from an offense that mitigated his knack for making big mistakes. Even though it toned down Locker’s strong arm as a weapon, it was a good price to pay for cutting down on turnovers.
According to ESPN NFL Nation’s Paul Kuharsky, Locker told a Nashville radio show called “The Wake Up Zone” that he will undergo surgery on Wednesday and will have “no problem” being back for the start of Titans training camp. Lisfranc injuries are incredibly severe, very slow-to-heal, and it could very well sap Locker out of some of his athletic ability. He is a tough QB who should have a full recovery, but Lisfranc injuries can have a lasting effect; this one won’t make it easier for the Titans to believe that their potentially injury-prone QB is worth his expensive team option. Locker showed plenty of promise, but nobody would be surprised if the Titans do have second doubts due to his injuries.