NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The Tennessee Titans have announced that Will Levis will take over the starting quarterback position for the team’s regular-season finale against the Houston Texans this Sunday.
Head coach Brian Callahan confirmed on Friday that Levis will be making his 12th start of the season after being sidelined for the last two games in favor of veteran Mason Rudolph. The decision to bench Levis followed a challenging performance where he recorded four turnovers, including a notable pick-6 against Cincinnati on December 15.
Callahan indicated that Rudolph will also see some playing time during the game. However, he noted that Levis will remain on the field if he shows strong performance. “It depends on the feel of the game,” Callahan stated. “If he’s playing well, I’d like to see him continue. Mason will definitely play at some point, likely in the first half, but if Will is in rhythm, we’ll keep him in.”
This season has been pivotal for the Titans as they aim to assess Levis’s capabilities as he navigates the ups and downs of his second season in the league. Among his 12 touchdown passes this year is the longest play of the NFL season—a 98-yard touchdown pass to Nick Westbrook-Ikhine against Minnesota. However, Levis has also faced struggles, having four of his 12 interceptions returned for scores and losing five fumbles.
Callahan emphasized that Sunday’s performance will contribute to the overall evaluation of Levis, who has two more seasons left on his rookie deal with the Titans. Still, he clarified that Levis’s performance in this one game will not solely determine his future with the franchise. “Every opportunity matters, but I don’t believe that one single game will define his entire body of work this season. It’s all significant, and I genuinely hope he plays well,” Callahan remarked.
The Titans (3-13) will be without seven players for their matchup against the Texans (9-7). This list includes running back Tyjae Spears (concussion), outside linebacker Arden Key (hand), safety Amani Hooker (shoulder), wide receiver Tyler Boyd (foot), linebacker Otis Reese (ankle), tackle Jaelyn Duncan (shoulder), and kicker Nick Folk (abdomen). Folk finishes the season having missed his third consecutive game, though he leads the league with a 95.5% field goal conversion rate.
As it stands, Tennessee is in a position to secure the second overall pick in the upcoming April draft. A loss on Sunday, coupled with a New England win, would afford the Titans a potential shot at the top pick. Conversely, a victory and other outcomes could see the Titans fall as far as eighth in the NFL draft standings.
