The Tennessee Titans find themselves with limited options ahead of Christmas.
Limited in the quarterback room, that is. After Will Levis went down late with his ankle injury late against the Houston Texans in Week 15, many not only wondered who would take the reins for the rookie but who also remains in the QB depth chart.
Are Tennessee Titans Down to Two QBs?
The healthier options ahead of the Week 16 matchup with the Seattle Seahawks are familiar face Ryan Tannehill and third-round selection Malik Willis.
Levis injured his left ankle during overtime of the 19-16 loss to the Texans, which dropped Tennessee to 5-9 overall. Levis, who leads the Titans in passing yards (1,792) and touchdown passes (eight), was listed as questionable on Friday.
Tannehill was named as next in line by head coach Mike Vrabel during the week of practice for the Titans. He’s already started six games this season.
However, the past QB1 for the Titans who’s best known for helping guide the 2019 season AFC title run, is only 2-4 as a starter. Tannehill also has thrown just two touchdowns compared to six interceptions for Tennessee.
And he’s in the final season of the four-year, $118 million contract with the Titans.
Has Malik Willis Ever Played a Down Yet?
There was a time many NFL Draft experts envisioned Willis as a surefire first-round quarterback selection ahead of the 2022 NFL Draft.
PFN’s own Oliver Hodgkinson was one who believed in the hype for the Liberty Flames star.
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“Willis’ scouting report reveals an entertaining creator with elite arm talent, showcasing that he has the physical tools to be a star in the NFL,” Hodgkinson wrote back on April 16, 2022. “Although his evaluation is as complicated as the class he inhabits, the Liberty QB has endeared himself to NFL teams in the pre-draft process.”
Unfortunately, Willis dropped out of the first round — and the second round. Tennessee ultimately settled for him at No. 86 overall.
Then, one draft class later, the Titans decided to add Levis — this time taking a QB in the second round of the 2023 draft.
With Levis on board and a veteran in Tannehill still lingering around Nashville, has Willis had a hard time playing?
He managed to squeeze in three starts for the Titans in his rookie season. Willis went 1-2 overall in those games while throwing for 276 yards but also tossing three interceptions. This season, he’s completed 4 of 5 passes for 74 yards with no interceptions but no touchdown passes either. Furthermore, Willis is yet to throw his first career touchdown pass.
Outside of Willis, Tennessee has no other QB options to choose from. And that includes the practice squad. Vrabel and company have only rostered three QBs this season.
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