Will Levis will not suit up for the Titans Saturday night at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, which means Malik Willis is slated to play all of the second preseason game for the Titans.
Caroline Fenton first reported Levis is out and I've confirmed it. I've also learned the Titans don't plan to play Ryan Tannehill at all.
With no other QB available, Tannehill will be dressed and available if Willis is forced out of the game.
Levis left the Titans' second practice against the Vikings in Eagan, Minn. late with a lower-body injury on Thursday
Mike Vrabel said Will Levis went in with trainers, missed chance at late reps. Status for game TBD. #Titans
— Paul Kuharsky (@PaulKuharskyNFL) August 17, 2023
Only managed hockey report on Will Levis so far:
— Paul Kuharsky (@PaulKuharskyNFL) August 17, 2023
Injury is lower body. #Titans.
The Titans have decided not to put that injury – the specifics of which are unknown -- at any further risk.
Ryan Tannehill has played in only one preseason for the Titans since he joined the team via trade in 2019, and that was in 2019 when he was Marcus Mariota’s backup at the start of the season. There was no preseason in 2020, but Tannehill did not suit up in 2021 or 2022.
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The Titans traded up to select Levis out of Kentucky with the 33rd overall pick in the second round. A year earlier, they traded up in the third round to draft Willis out of Liberty. Both have shown steady improvement through training camp.
Willis got the lone drive with the starting offensive line last weekend in Chicago and drove the Titans to a touchdown. He was more productive than Levis, but also made more mistakes than the rookie who largely showed solid poise.
The two are competing to back up Tannehill.
Willis was the second quarterback throughout the joint practices with the Vikings in Eagan, Minn.
If his injury extends beyond Saturday night, the Titans will need to add a fourth quarterback as they have joint practices in Nashville Tuesday and Wednesday against the Patriots.
Mike Herndon suggested A.J. McCarron, who spent a lot of time with Tim Kelly in Houston, might be an early call. Chris Streveler is another QB with recent experience who could be an option.