NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE (AP) — Rookie quarterback Will Levis hopes to play against the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday after suffering a sprained left ankle similar to the one that cost veteran Ryan Tannehill his job as Tennessee Titans starter.
Levis did not practice on Wednesday, and coach Mike Vrabel stated that if Levis is unable to play, Tannehill will take his place.
The 33rd overall pick out of Kentucky said he feels better every day and is working hard to be in the best shape possible to play.
“I’m playing if I can, and I’m just trying to get to that point,” Levis, who is 3-5 as a starter, said. “That is all I can do.” I’m working with the training staff, listening to everything I can, and treating my body properly.”
Tannehill would be making his first start since Oct. 15, when he suffered a high right ankle sprain in a loss to Baltimore in London. That same ankle cost him five games in 2022, including the final three of the season as Tennessee went on a seven-game losing streak to miss the playoffs.
The veteran, 35, is in the final year of his contract. He stated that he is fully recovered and ready to play, as well as trying to figure out what is going on.
“Obviously, you try to prepare as a starter every week, but a week like this week it’s a little more intense and just trying to make sure on top of everything,” Tannehill said in an interview.
Tannehill arrived in Nashville via trade in March 2019 and initially served as the backup to Marcus Mariota, a young quarterback. He took over as starter in mid-October and remained in that position until his ankle injury in London.
He admitted that it took him longer than expected to get “over the hump” with his injury. And, yes, missing out on the starting lineup was difficult for a few weeks.
“I’ve tried to be an asset to the team, to Will, and to help him out as much as I could, as well as (offensive coordinator) Tim (Kelly) with the game plan and anything I’ve seen.” So it’s clearly a different role. But, you know, keep trying to contribute.”
Levis has eight touchdown passes (six to DeAndre Hopkins) and four interceptions, while Tannehill has two touchdown passes and six interceptions.
Both have been sacked frequently, with only four NFL teams allowing more than the Titans’ (5-9) 50 sacks. That’s why Levis has an ankle sprain similar to the one that kept Tannehill out.
“It’s a wild game,” said Tannehill. “You never know what will happen. Unfortunately, many quarterbacks have been injured this season. So… it’s a crazy, crazy league. And you never know what will happen.”
Levis is well aware of this. He played through a right foot injury in college last season. He learned a valuable lesson when a quarterback considered a possible first-round pick in the 2022 NFL draft ended up going at No. 33 in the second round in April.
“No one cares,” Levis declared. “Just go out there and play ball.”
NOTES: Levis was one of eight Titans starters who did not practice Wednesday. Two-time Pro Bowl DL Jeffery Simmons (right knee), who has missed two straight games, RG Daniel Brunskill (ankle), and WR Treylon Burks (illness) were among those who missed practice. After practice, the Titans placed WR Nick Westbrook-Ikhine (hand) on injured reserve. CB Caleb Farley (back) practiced for the first time in 13 months with his practice window open, despite the fact that he is still on the physically unable to perform list. He was the team’s first-round pick in 2021 and has started two of his 12 games. They also signed Houston practice squad LB Garret Wallow.
