Will Levis expected to get second start vs. Steelers due to Ryan Tannehill injury
The Tennessee Titans are expected to start rookie quarterback Will Levis for the second straight week due to starter Ryan Tannehill’s ongoing ankle injury, according to NFL reporter Jeremy Fowler. Levis made his first start on Sunday against the Falcons, leading the team to a 28-23 victory.
According to Fowler, Levis will get his second start for Tannehill against the Pittsburgh Steelers, “barring surprise.”
Levis looked every bit like the projected first-round pick he was expected to be before slipping just far enough in April’s NFL Draft to put a chip on his shoulder.
The former Kentucky Wildcat finished his first professional game with 238 passing yards, four touchdowns, and zero interceptions in a 28-23 win over the Atlanta Falcons. Although his connection with veteran DeAndre Hopkins was on full display, six different Tennessee receivers caught passes on Sunday. He also became just the third player to record four touchdowns in their NFL debut.
“It’s incredible,” Levis told CBS sideline reporter Amanda Guerra afterward. “Shoutout to the fans for coming out and supporting. Just shoutout to this team for embracing me and getting me through these past couple of weeks. I’m just excited to be a part of this team and do whatever I can to help them win.”
Levis makes history
Levis also made history for his alma mater. He is the first former Kentucky QB to tally three touchdown passes in an NFL regular season game since Tim Couch against the Bengals on November 17, 2002. With each pass, Levis silences the doubters.
Before the season, NFL.com draft analyst Chad Reuter added to this doubt. Reuter predicted Levis would play in six games, starting in two of them. Reuter also projected Levis to accumulate 550 passing yards, four passing touchdowns and three interceptions, while rushing for 150 yards and three touchdowns.
Levis met Reuter’s passing touchdowns expectation in one game. Only time will tell if he will be given the chance to exceed Reuter’s other expectations. Levis started behind center on Sunday after Titans starting QB Ryan Tannehill sprained his ankle in the Titans’ 24-16 loss to the Ravens on Oct. 15. in a
Tennessee had a bye last weekend. Tannehill didn’t practice at all this week, leading Tennessee Titans head coach Mike Vrabel to announce a change at quarterback before Friday’s team workout. Perhaps this change will become permanent after Levis’ breakout performance.
On3’s Grant Grubbs contributed to this report.