The Tennessee Titans are unlikely to have Ryan Tannehill in Week 8 after the veteran signal-caller suffered a high-ankle sprain in Week 6 that is likely to sideline him for at least one game.
In his stead, the Titans are expected to start either Malik Willis or Will Levis, with a report suggesting the team will roll with Levis.
However, head coach Mike Vrabel said both will play if Tannehill sits and even left the door open for Tennessee to actually alternate the two, which is more than likely gamesmanship by Vrabel.
Whatever the case may be, Levis says he’s preparing like he’s going to be the starter, an approach that is no different than any other week.
“I’m just treating it like any other week,” Levis said, per Jim Wyatt. “Vrabel preaches that we prepare as starters every week, regardless of what position or opportunity we have. If my name gets called, I’ll be ready to go.”
Levis has served as the Titans’ emergency quarterback through six games, sitting behind both Tannehill and Willis, which is a departure from his college days when he was a starter at Kentucky.
Not being able to play has been tough at times, Levis admits, but he has kept the faith that his time would eventually come.
“Just trusting, and knowing, that my time was going to come,” he said. “Just keeping the right mindset throughout that process. It can be hard, and it can be discouraging at times. But it’s a test of character, and I’m hoping that has helped me to be ready for when my name gets called.”
Levis hasn’t seen much on-field action this year. After playing in preseason Week 1, the rookie quarterback suffered an injury that kept him out of the next two exhibition contests, and he hasn’t been on the field since.
But that could change in a big way on Sunday.