Mariani may have won return job

Rookie Marc Mariani’s roster spot no longer appears to be an if, but a when.

And with another strong effort on returns in Thursday night’s 27-24 victory over the New Orleans Saints, Mariani may have just locked up the return job ahead of fellow rookie Damian Williams.

The seventh-rounder from Montana had nifty 38-yard return, and also hauled in a 41-yard pass from Chris Simms as a receiver.

Further evidence that Mariani is the man on returns is that he was allowed to return the second half kickoff after Jeff Fisher had said earlier in the week that Williams would have the job in the second half.

“I'm pleased and I think I took advantage and made the most of my opportunities. I'm not good at speculating on my opportunities, but I was happy with my opportunities and I'm glad I got a chance to show what I had, and we'll see what happens,” Mariani said.