Will Levis opens preseason as QB3 for Titans, will alternate reps with Malik Willis

Syndication: The Tennessean — Tennessee Titans quarterback‚Äôs Will Levis (8), Malik Willis (7), and Ryan Tannehill (17) begin to run a drill during an NFL football training camp practice Monday, August 7, 2023, in Nashville, Tenn.

All eyes are on Will Levis as he makes his NFL debut with the Tennessee Titans to open the preseason schedule. Locked in a battle with Malik Willis for the backup quarterback job behind Ryan Tannehill, each rep will be crucial for the former Kentucky standout.

What should fans expect when he takes the field against the Chicago Bears at 1 p.m. ET on NFL Network? Well, he won’t be the first guy out there for the Titans at Soldier Field.

According to Stacey Dales of NFL Network, Willis will get the start for the Titans with Tannehill cheering on his teammates from the sidelines, like most QB1s to open the preseason. From there, Levis will be the backup, confirming his current third-string status overall.

But here’s where things get interesting: Willis and Levis will split the reps from start to finish. Both quarterbacks will play the entire game, alternating every few series.

Get the On3 Top 10 to your inbox every morning

By clicking "Subscribe to Newsletter", I agree to On3's Privacy Notice, Terms, and use of my personal information described therein.

“The competition for QB2 is real in Tennessee,” Dales said this morning.

I’m told the #Titans plan on starting Malik Willis today against the Bears (Ryan Tannehill will not play). Will Levis will be the backup. Both QBs will play the entire game, alternating every few series throughout – the competition for QB2 is real in Tennessee. #TENvsCHI pic.twitter.com/N6FJNk2O3x
— StaceyDales (@StaceyDales) August 12, 2023

Ready to play (and get hit)

How does Levis feel ahead of his pro debut? Nothing but positive energy coming from the former Wildcat.

“Getting out on the field and being able to start it off at a historic place like Soldier Field in Chicago, it’s really, really cool,” he said this week. “And I know they’re going to show out and have a good fanbase for us there so it’ll be good energy. Should be a good time.”

What he’s most looking forward to? For starters, getting the rust knocked off — literally.

“Getting hit,” he added. “It’s been a while. Just playing football and seeing just all the hard work we’ve done come to life. With a bunch of people watching, it’s a lot of fun.”