When the Tennessee Titans come back from their bye in Week 8, they are reportedly unlikely to have their starting quarterback, Ryan Tannehill.
According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, Tannehill is currently in a cast for his high-ankle sprain so as not to put weight on the injury and he probably won’t suit up against the Atlanta Falcons next week.
Tennessee Titans quarterback Ryan Tannehill is currently in a cast for a high ankle sprain, sources say, an injury that’s similar to the injury he suffered last year that necessitated surgery but is not considered as significant. Tannehill is using a cast so he doesn’t put weight on his ankle, but he did not opt for surgery this time. While Tannehill hasn’t been ruled out for the Titans’ Oct. 29 game against the Falcons (Tennessee is on a bye this week), it’s unlikely that he will be able to play.
Not much of a surprise, as high-ankle sprains can take anywhere from four to six weeks to heal.
Rapoport did note that Tannehill’s ankle is in a bit better shape than normal after he had a tight-rope procedure in 2022, which lends to the idea that he might be back sooner than the aforementioned timeframe.
As for Tannehill, his injured ankle could be a bit more stable than would be expected, perhaps because of the tight-rope surgery he had December 2022.
If you were hoping for some clarity on who the Titans might start in Tannehill’s place, Rapoport didn’t provide it.
He said that the Titans, who were practicing during the bye week, are preparing both Malik Willis and Will Levis to start in Week 8.
Sources say the Titans, who practiced several times this week despite their bye week, are preparing Will Levis and Malik Willis to start if Tannehill is unable to play Week 8. Willis struggled in three starts last season and in relief of Tannehill last week — which could increase the chances they opt to go with Levis, the No. 33 overall pick in April’s draft.
Willis came on in relief of Tannehill after he exited in Week 6 but showed the same issues that have plagued him during his young career. After seeing that, Tennessee may want to get a look at Levis instead.
