Marc Mariani breaks leg in preseason

Posted: Aug 24, 2012 7:25 AM by Richie Melby - MTN Sports
Updated: Aug 24, 2012 7:53 AM

NASHVILLE - Havre native and former University of Montana Grizzly football star Marc Mariani left Thursday's preseason football game against Arizona with a broken left leg, according to officials in Nashville.

Reports say that Mariani broke his left tibia on a punt return in the first quarter.

Mariani, the three-year player, was tackled on the punt return and appeared to suffer the injury at the end of the play.

Mariani stayed down on the field while ESPN went to commercial break, and medical staff brought a cart onto the field during the break.

ESPN's Rachel Nichols reported that Mariani was headed straight for the hospital.

We will keep you updated as we learn more on Mariani's status.

UPDATE FROM CBSSPORTS.COM:

Tennessee receiver Marc Mariani was carted off the field with a left tibia fracture during Thursday's contest against the Cardinals. Mariani's leg got caught up during a punt return as he was brought down. He had an air cast on his leg and is being sent to the hospital for further examinations.

Mariani's injury may have been one of the most gruesome injuries suffered during the preseason as he could probably be out for a significant period. At this point it is uncertain how long he'll be out for, but it does not look good for his short-term future. We should know more information as he receives further examinations in the coming days.

In two seasons, Mariani averaged 24.8 yards per kick return and 11.2 yards per punt return. The 2010 seventh-round pick played in college with the son of former Titans coach Jeff Fisher.