Returning to the practice field today for the first time since undergoing surgery in December, Marcus Mariota said, “I was just like a little kid again to be able to go out there and play.”

Mariota, who suffered a fractured fibula in the Tennessee Titans’ Dec. 24 game, took part today in the first of 10 days of organized team activities at Saint Thomas Sports Park in Nashville, Tenn.

He told Titansonline.com, “For me, I was just really excited to get back on the field. I was excited. I was like a little kid again to be able to go out there and play. It is crazy, you kind of take some of those things for granted so, for me, I was just thankful to be out there.”

The Titans said Mariota participated in a walk-through, individual drills and took part in 7-on-7 situations.

“It felt great,” Mariota told Titansonline.com. “Four months ago I wasn’t sure I was going to be able to participate in OTAs and being able to do some of the drills … I was very happy and very grateful. It was fun to be out there with the guys and I enjoyed it.”

Titans’ coach Mike Mularkey told the media Mariota is getting close to full speed, but said, “We’ll take it day by day with Marcus. “He’d like to do more. He looks like he can do more, but it is May, so we have time.”

The Titans open training camp in late July and begin a four-game exhibition schedule Aug. 12, but their avowed goal has been to have Mariota ready to start the Sept. 10 season opener against Oakland.